“Therefore … let us throw off everything that hinders …

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith …”

(Hebrews 12: 1 – 2)

Dear friends of Shepherd Society,

Greetings from Bethlehem.

This week has been a week of lament - a week of fasting - as the Greek Orthodox Church prepares to celebrate the Resurrection in a couple of days.

The people of Palestine still carry pain, brokenness, devastation, and hopelessness – this can be seen in their eyes. We are here as Shepherd Society to try at least to show a light at the end of the tunnel. How do we show the light? We show the light through our steadfastness and perseverance as we focus on Jesus, who was crucified for us. The Ministry of the Shepherd Society is trying its very best to care for both the people of the West Bank and Gaza. 

At least 35,000 people have been killed so far in Gaza - with many thousands injured, and many of whom we do not know their fate. It has not been easy for Gaza and the West Bank. Our intervention in Gaza has been in providing medicine, food, and personal assistance. We want to be more involved, but now many things are limited due to political restrictions for aid to enter Gaza. We will not stop, despite the restriction. We will continue to raise money to support the innocent people of Gaza.

As for the West Bank, we are more involved, and we work hard- especially in providing food, medicine, surgery, insurance, and, most importantly now, job creation. There is over 60 percent unemployment now in the West Bank – hence job creation.

We give thanks for what we have been able to achieve, and ask for prayers that this may increase.

If we have no hope – we will stand still. Due to hope, we give thanks for:

• 450 food packages distributed in the Bethlehem district.
• Non-stop provision for medicine and medical bills.
• People like you, who did not stop asking about us, praying and providing for us.

Please pray for:

• The ongoing situation, and a ceasefire
• Our next mission in Almafraq (Jordan) refugee camp
• Divine intervention for those who mourn – for comfort and God’s provision
• The leadership of countries around the world – that they may lead with justice and mercy
• The facilitation of bringing a medical container into Gaza.

We thought all this would be over by now – please continue -

• To support
• To seek justice
• To pray

If it is on your heart to give to the West Bank and Gaza, this is always needed.

With thanks and prayer,

Shireen Awwad Hilal

For the Shepherd Society