Bringing Hope Amidst Challenges
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to you with an update on Gaza and the ongoing challenges they continue to face.
The suffering in Gaza continues. A few days ago, 2 bombs were targeted at the Greek Orthodox Church compound injuring a few people at the church. Thankfully, the bombs did not explode. If they did explode, it would have caused much more damage and injuries. Pictured below is the damage at the church sourced from Alghad TV news.
On Thursday, a huge bomb close to the Latin church exploded, but miraculously, there were no injuries and it did not reach the church, some particles did reach the Church's playground.
People are exhausted, scared, and facing illness, with diseases spreading and a lack of medicine.
In the midst of this turmoil, we persist in our relief efforts. We have provided 50 chickens and rice to fifty families and distributed hot meals to the greater Gaza community.
Additionally, those who fled to Egypt received fans to help to endure the hot summer. These Gazan families were also able to receive food parcels. This assistance is carried out through Gaza Baptist Church in partnership with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Convention in Egypt. About 100,000 Gazans have sought refuge in Egypt since the beginning of the war.
Currently, we are in the process of helping the Latin church with solar energy to power their water well. We continue providing water for bathing, showers, and providing groceries. Similarly, we are assisting my old neighborhood in Gaza to ensure they have access to water for daily living.
Below are stories told by a man in Gaza:
"While at the market, I noticed this man and his daughter, both in dire need. Upon speaking with them, I learned of their tragic story. The man's wife had been martyred in a bombing, leaving him injured and his daughter without proper care. The child's hair had been shaved due to a severe lice infestation, a consequence of the lack of adequate care and hygiene. Their situation was heartbreaking, with no income and many hardships. I provided them with a chicken, a bag of rice, and ten shekels as a small token of support from the Baptist Church. Though it could never replace their loss, it was a reminder that we are here to bless and support them in any way we can."
"I met an elderly man by the roadside near a place called Takia, where food is cooked and served to displaced people. This man, in his sixties, had come for food but found none left. He asked for the leftover pea water, which was poured into a punctured nylon bag, causing it to spill. His hands were shaking, and he told me it was all he had for his family. I quickly provided him with a chicken and a kilo of rice, assuring him that it was a gift from God. His gratitude was overwhelming, reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact."
New Photos of the Damage of the Gaza Baptist Church
Prayer Request from a Believer in Gaza:
"Lord, touch the hearts of the lost to know your Son, the Savior, who brings peace and reassurance. We pray for an end to the war, for peace, security, and stability to prevail. We pray for the displaced, suffering in the heat, and for God to meet every need and bless every work done in His name."
Your support and prayers are vital as we continue to provide relief and hope to the people of Gaza. Together, we can make a difference and be a source of blessing in their lives.
In Christ's Love,
Pastor Hanna Massad
Founder & President
