A Cry For Compassion
Can you imagine what it feels like, as a parent, to be unable to protect your children, help them in a time of need, or to not have a hot meal to offer them?
This is the painful reality for most families in Gaza during this devastating time. Our hearts are heavy. This suffering has gone on far too long, and the world’s response has remained far too quiet.
People are collapsing in the streets, unable to walk, speak, or stand because of the severe hunger and trauma they’ve endured. We recently saw in the news a young girl, Lana al-Sharif, who, at just a tender age, has grown grey hairs and developed an autoimmune disorder affecting the pigmentation of her skin, a direct result of the unbearable conditions around her, nicknamed 'The Elderly Child' at her camp. These are not isolated stories. They reflect a widespread crisis that continues to rob children of their childhood and families of their strength.
Picture by Middle East Eye/Hani Aburezeq via www.middleeasteye.net
Yet, even amid devastation, we continue to see God’s mercy through small but powerful acts of compassion. At the beginning of the month, we were able to distribute 3,000 hot meals to displaced families in the south, central, and north of Gaza. Every meal is a reminder that they are not forgotten.
Watch a video of our recent distributions by clicking above
One of our field partners shared scenes from a refugee camp in central Gaza:
“As soon as the families heard I was bringing meals, they gathered, asking what kind. I told them it was rice, and their faces lit up.
Many of them hadn’t cooked in days, there was nothing to cook, no gas, and even firewood had become unaffordable.
We delivered two meals per tent to reach everyone. Children ran up saying, ‘Thank you, uncle!’ and older residents offered their blessings and gratitude to the church.”
“One man told me his nine children hadn’t eaten since the day before. We made sure to give him more. He couldn’t stop thanking us, and especially the church, for not forgetting them.”
This kind of support is made possible by you , through your prayers, your generosity, and your kindness.
In recent days, we’ve also heard directly from families impacted by the meal distributions. Here are just two of the messages we received:
"We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to everyone who contributed and preserved a bit of humanity in Gaza, which continues to live amid rubble and blood. We especially thank the Gaza Baptist Church for its initiative in doing good. May God bless your ongoing charitable work.”
“With all my heart, I thank the Gaza Baptist Church for remaining a warm and faithful embrace for the Palestinian people in the most difficult of times. When our homes were empty of food, the church arrived.”
Even as we care for those in Gaza, our ministry also continues among the 70+ Gazan families now living in the West Bank. Just last week, I traveled to Jordan with plans to enter the West Bank and visit these families in person and attend a conference held by one of our key partners.
Unfortunately, I was denied entry at the Israeli border, even with my U.S. passport. It was painful not to be able to reach them or participate in the conference in person. I was fortunate to be able to return to Jordan and deliver my presentation via Zoom.
This experience was disappointing, but it reflects the complex and often heartbreaking realities on the ground. Still, we press on because these families matter, and this mission continues.
Every meal distributed, every child fed, and every family comforted is only possible because of your faithful partnership. Your prayers, your advocacy, and your giving allow this ministry to remain a lifeline in a time of crisis.
As always, we love hearing from you. Please continue to keep Gaza in your prayers, and know that you are in ours.
Blessings,
Pastor Hanna Massad
Founder & President
Donate online or mail a check to P.O. Box 1033 Darien, CT 06820.
Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful impact.
