Dear prayer partners,
As we all continue to witness the daily devastation happening in the Gaza strip as a result of a continuing battles between the Israeli army and Hamas, it’s on our heart to share with you some of the highlights into what the Lord has led us to as a testimony to his name and love during this season.
We have continued to work and provide relief assistance to both those in need in Gaza including traditional Christians, Muslims and Muslim background believers, as well as the residents of East Jerusalem.
As part of our ongoing outreach both to Gazans stranded in Jerusalem receiving medical treatment in the Israeli hospitals, we have also been working on two other projects to reach out to East Jerusalem Muslims whom we have been supporting with food supplements for some years.We hosted 40 people from this group at Christ Church in Jerusalem for a meal. At the meeting we shared about the history of Jewish believers in Jesus and their work in Jerusalem among Jews, Christians and Muslims. There was also time for Sa’yeed, a Muslim background believer from the West Bank, to share his testimony during the event. A lively discussion followed with everyone joining in sharing their journey of faith. Please pray for the seeds sown within the Muslim community in East Jerusalem at this time.
At the same time brother Say’eed has been meeting with government officials to try to find more ways to assist those in need in Gaza that we know. While we have not been able to send food, we have been able to assist with financial help.
Other local believers here also gathered contributions and we were able to reach out to those in need through organizing a few soup kitchens in the Gaza strip. This also included fun events for children in a few areas in Gaza including Khan Yunis, well known these days for being one of the centers of the terrorist activity and recent battles. During this outreach, many children were able to play games, sing, have fun group activities and receive gifts. One couldn’t underestimate the wonder of seeing children’s laughter and joy in the middle of ultimate destruction. They responded by sending videos thanking Jewish and Christian believers in Jerusalem for their help.
Be encouraged that some of those who are reached through these relief projects, come back to us, bring their families and ask to share more about our faith and even receive the Lord and ask to be baptized. Sa’yeed is now working to move a small group of the Muslim background believers from Gaza to Bethlehem. This would be a miracle of no small proportions given the situation right now. Please pray for the miraculous release for this community of faith and for favour for Sa’yeed with the security establishment here to release these captives from Gaza. Amen.