Dear Friends of Shepherd Society

Greetings from Bethlehem,

This Easter we bear witness to horrors never even imagined. Our Christian community here and in Gaza is facing disintegration in front of our own eyes. This Easter we carry pain and brokenness in our hearts. This is the time when we as Christians normally pay visits to Biblical sites in Jerusalem - yet we are now banned from entering Jerusalem for prayer and worship. Violence is escalating, and this is not stopping.  Yet, we focus our eyes on the cross, as Jesus himself was persecuted – crucified and then killed.

We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Gaza and the West Bank. More than 32,000 killed so far, because of the attack on the people of Gaza - mainly killing women and children. Now Gaza is going through hunger and famine. Over 30 have been killed in less than a week, because of serious malnutrition - most are infants.

Despite all of this, we at the Shepherd Society continue to serve our brothers and sisters here in Palestine. It needs a special grace to do so. Despite all of this, we give thanks for the many opportunities that we have had these last months.

We give thanks for:

• The life of Sari Zeidan, our beloved ShepSoc Manager, as he enters a new phase in life. He got married last Saturday to beautiful Laila.
• The Lord’s protection over his children here in Bethlehem.
• The basketball tournament, where we had over 200 children play in solidarity with the innocent people of Gaza. 
• The partners and donors like you who stood in solidarity with our belief in the Bethlehem Bible College / Shepherd Society, whether in prayer or in giving generously.
• Shireen’s visit to the UK, where she met with many friends of our college and Shepherd Society; and where many initiatives were renewed and others established.

We pray for:

• A cease-fire now in Gaza
• The food distribution will take place April 4^th – 10^th. Over 400 food packages to be distributed to Muslims and Christians for Ramadan and Easter.
• The food, medicine, and other needs to be provided - especially in the north of Gaza
• Those who have lost loved ones in the genocide that is taking place in the city of Gaza
• For the Shepherd Society team - to give them strength to continue serving those who need support.
• For people to open their eyes and see the truth and seek the Lord’s intervention in their lives and the lives of those around them.

Thank you so much dear friends, and have A BLESSED EASTER

The Shepherd Society Team