Stories From the Ground
Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ,
Your prayers and support are reaching farther than you may ever see.
On the ground in Gaza, they show up in a simple but powerful way. Clean drinking water after weeks without it, meals shared with gratitude, and moments of reconciliation in places strained by hardship.
What follows are stories from our leaders in the field, offering a glimpse into how your partnership continues to bring relief, dignity, and hope.
The Joy of Drinking Clean Water
One of our leaders shared what happened when he first contacted a camp manager to let him know a water truck was coming.
“When I told him we would be bringing a truck with 15 cubic meters of water, he was overjoyed,” our leader said. “He told me, ‘We are waiting for you. The people of the camp have not had water for a long time. God bless you.’”
When he arrived at the camp, people were already waiting: children, women, elderly men, and young people. Everyone gathered together, watching for the truck. Our leader sat with them as they waited.
While they were there, an elderly man approached and asked who had sent the water. When he was told it came from the church, he responded quietly and sincerely:
“God bless them. These are people sincere in their work. They are honest and have high morals.”
When the water truck finally arrived, joy spread through the camp. Smiles appeared. Containers were filled. Every family received water.
As our leader shared, “In Gaza today, even the simplest things have great value. People need water, food, winter clothing, and shoes. The war may have stopped, but the suffering has not, and with winter, the need has only increased.”
A Lesson in Peace Making
Another story came from a distribution in the south, where one of our leaders arrived early and encountered a serious conflict between two camp representatives.
“I gathered them together and spoke about love, understanding, and responsibility,” he explained. “I reminded them that our purpose is to serve people, not to harm one another.”
With patience and conversation, the tension eased. The men asked for help reconciling, and by the end, peace was restored. The local elders thanked our leader, and they shared coffee, a simple but meaningful sign that unity had been rebuilt.
The Joy of Food
Food distributions continue to be moments of deep gratitude.
One leader shared how he contacted a camp manager, Abu Talat, to let him know meals of rice with meat were coming. “He was so happy,” he said. “The next morning, he told me the families had not cooked. They were waiting.”
When the meals arrived, the entire camp was present. With help from residents, the food was unloaded and distributed so that every family received a meal. Each portion was generous enough for more than one person.
Afterward, Abu Talat sent a message of thanks:
“The food is abundant and delicious. Many families are eating meat for the first time in a long time. Men, women, and children all thank you.”
Children told our team they had not eaten meat in months. The joy during the distribution, our leader said, was overwhelming.
Conversations That Open Hearts
Beyond physical needs, our leaders also encounter moments of spiritual curiosity and honest dialogue.
One leader shared about a two-hour conversation he had with someone, asking questions about faith. By the end, the man said he felt compelled to continue reading and learning more.
“He asked sincere questions,” our leader shared. “And I explained that Jesus is the Word of God, God’s Word made flesh to show humanity how to live, love, and follow Him.”
“These conversations matter,” he added. “Truth, when shared with respect, opens hearts.”
Reaching Outside of Gaza
Your support is reaching Gazans who were forced to flee the war and seek safety and medical care in Egypt.
Through our partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Egypt, we continue to walk alongside Gazan families now living as refugees in Cairo and El Arish. Many arrived carrying deep fear and trauma. Instead, they encountered welcome, care, and compassion.
Recently, the church hosted a special gathering for Gaza families, many of whom entered a church for the first time. In a loving Christian environment, they received emotional and spiritual care, trauma support, and encouragement.
One participant shared:
“I am deeply grateful to the Lord for this special day. The session helped ease fear and allowed people to engage, especially during small-group time. There was warmth and love. As families were leaving, they said that what they experienced at the church was unlike anything they had encountered elsewhere. We thank the Lord for His grace and the families who came.”
Another volunteer reflected:
“Thank you for giving me the chance to truly see these people. Your heart is full of love and compassion. I was deeply moved and have decided to dedicate time to pray for these families.”
Practical support continues as well. In El Arish, near the Gaza, Egypt border, our partners successfully provided school supplies for 250 Gazan students, including backpacks, notebooks, clothing, and essential stationery. These simple items offer dignity, stability, and hope to children navigating displacement.
Thank you for standing with our leaders on the ground and with the people of Gaza. Your support continues to meet real needs, one story at a time.
Please continue to pray for the ministry across the Middle East, especially in Gaza, during this time. We will begin supporting 200 Christian families with stipends to support basic needs and assist in repairs to their homes.
With gratitude,
Pastor Hanna Massad
Founder & President
