Christ’s Light in Dark Places
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
In our previous newsletter, we shared how God brought together a remarkable partnership between the Eyeglasses Ministry team from First Baptist Church in Garland, TX, and Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT. We saw the fruits of that mission in action. Below, you’ll find a short video highlighting this ministry and how it continues to bless the lives of those in need, bringing both sight and the light of Christ to refugee communities in Jordan.
During our visit to the Iraqi refugee church service, Pastor Gary shared a powerful message with the congregation. His words brought hope and deep encouragement to many who have suffered unimaginable hardships. The response was overwhelming— hearts were lifted, and many were reminded that even in exile, they are not forgotten.
We are thankful for Pastor Gary’s faithfulness and the opportunity to serve together. We are also thankful for both teams, Noroton Presbyterian Church, led by Patti, and the First Baptist Church of Garland, led by Robin.
Gaza Update: Light in the Darkness
What’s happening in Gaza is truly beyond words. Yet, by God’s grace, on April 11, 2025, CMG, in partnership with Gaza Baptist Church, was able to serve 1,750 hot meals across the south, middle, and north of Gaza. This also included providing clean drinking water in the very neighborhood where Pastor Hanna grew up. It is a small but powerful expression of Christ’s love and a reminder that the Christian presence is still here, still caring.
Stories From The Ground
People waited over two hours in advance for food, due to the scarcity and high prices caused by the closed crossings.
When a banner was hung showing that the meals came from the Baptist Church, several said: “Thank you to the church and to our Christian brothers and sisters who miss us and care for us during these difficult times.”
Two young men expressed a desire to visit the church after the distribution.
Children and youth thanked the team; they were told: “Thank God He is the one who brought me here.”
Kids from nearby camps approached and said, “Uncle, we don't have any food, give us some.” As much as possible, food was shared with all.
An elderly man said, “Please don’t forget us. The situation is very difficult. Keep checking on us.”
Camp administration reported the food was “very good,” and thanked the church for remembering them.
A Cry From Gaza: Sister Suha’s Words
These heartbreaking yet faithful words were shared by Sister Suha, a strong believer from the Christian community in Gaza:
“O Merciful Lord, have mercy on us.
We accepted everything with joy, hunger and thirst, lack of medicine, anemia, and the high cost of living.
But the hardest of all are the deafening sounds of explosions, the lurking death in every place, and the terror.
We have no Eid, for Eid means safety, and we have never known it.
Eid has died for us, and we no longer know the taste of celebration or of life.
It has become merely a passing day until we reach death.
We thank God when someone returns safely,
for we have come to feel that death is everywhere.
We pray to You, Lord of the Resurrection,
Have mercy on us and show us Your compassion, O Lord.”
Below is a prayer written by a believer from Gaza. We include it here as a reflection and call to stand in faith with our brothers and sisters in Gaza:
We thank you for standing with us in prayer and generosity. Your support allows us to continue reflecting Christ’s love in a tangible way during these incredibly challenging times. As the needs grow, we remain committed to bringing hope, help, and the love of Christ to Gaza and beyond.
May the Lord bless you abundantly for your compassion and prayers. As always, we love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Pastor Hanna Massad
Founder & President
