Monday 13 October is a day that people in the Palestinian Territories and Israel have looked forward to. The war between Hamas and Israel was declared over. Hostages were released and hostilities ended.
“Finally, the war has ended, and the worst days in the life of every person living in Gaza are over,” says one of the Christians, who is living in the Orthodox church in Gaza city. “We thank our Lord for the divine care that was with us every moment. The hand of our Lord was with us, the Lord took care of us in all difficult times.”
A prayer for comfort
“We thank our Lord for the divine care that was with us every moment.”
Christian in Gaza
Since the start of the war two years ago, almost all of Gaza’s small Christian population stayed in the compounds of the Catholic and Orthodox churches in Gaza city.
They refused to leave, even when all citizens of the city were ordered to leave.
“We thank the Lord that we were protected in His church. Oh Lord, at a time like this, we ask You to comfort the hearts of everyone who has lost someone dear to them; may the touch of the Lord strengthen their weakness and support them. And Lord, stand with everyone who has lost their home and compensate them with all that is good, oh Lord.”
More than 80% of the believers’ houses are badly damaged or fully destroyed. This means that the Christians will stay in the buildings of the churches for the time being, as a lot remains unclear.
Looking to the future
“.. may there be no sounds of death, destruction and evil from now on.”
Christian in Gaza
The Christian continues his prayer:
“Lord, also let Your peace and security prevail in our countries, and may there be no sounds of death, destruction and evil from now on. Lord, You are the King of peace, let Your peace prevail, and please strengthen our weakness because You are our strength.
“You, Lord, are our refuge at all times. Thank You, Lord, for everything. Thank You for answering our prayers, Lord, and Your words were the ones that spoke to us. I waited, I waited for the Lord, so fill me and listen to our cries. Oh Lord, fulfil people’s needs for food and drink, Lord, and provide everything for the country, compensate for all deficiencies in the bodies of children and the elderly. Lord, help people to be able to provide healthy food for their children that we haven’t seen for two years, and to provide treatment for their sick and injured children.”
An unstable situation
The people in Gaza are relieved that the ceasefire is holding. “We are in continuous contact with our sisters and brothers in the two churches in Gaza,” says Chris*, who coordinates the work of Open Doors local partner in the Palestinian Territories.
“The situation in Gaza is unstable,” he continues. “Christians are still inside the two churches waiting to see what will happen in the near future. The borders are still closed, so they cannot leave Gaza. They are very afraid because the security situation is very difficult.”
“They kept praying, they didn’t give up.”
Chris
Chris’s team have supported believers in Gaza throughout the war, providing finances for food and other basic needs. “They kept praying, they didn’t give up,” says Chris. “They still feel there is hope for a better future. They have always fed the hungry and helped sick neighbours among their Muslim neighbours.”
Please keep praying for lasting peace in the region, and for Christians in the Palestinian Territories and in Israel to be beacons of light and hope.
*Names changed for security reasons
