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October 23, 2023
Dear Friends and Supporters of Bethlehem Bible College,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to provide you with an important update on the recent developments in Gaza, particularly in the wake of the devastating church bombing that occurred there.
Bethlehem Bible College is committed to fostering peace, understanding, and solidarity. We stand against violence and we mourn the mass loss of human lives in our country, regardless of their background. All humans are important to God and all of them are created in His image.
The attack on the Greek Orthodox church of Gaza - which is one of the oldest churches in the world - is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by our Christian brothers and sisters there, and it underscores the need for continued prayer, support, and advocacy for the vulnerable communities in Gaza. So far in that one attack 17 Christians lost their lives, in addition to the several thousand that have been lost in the whole Gaza Strip. We are equally saddened but the loss of lives, but also very concerned that soon Gaza will not have any Christians left there at all.
This hits very close to us as one of our leaders at the college, Shireen Awwad, lost her aunt, and several other relatives of hers are severely wounded.
In response to the escalation in Gaza, Bethlehem Bible College is renewing its commitment to provide assistance and support to the affected communities in Gaza, especially the fragile ones. We are actively collaborating with churches, Christian NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and local partners to offer practical help to those in need. Our primary goal is to ensure the immediate delivery of essential aid, including food, medical supplies, and trauma counseling services, to those impacted by the recent violence. We believe that by extending a helping hand and demonstrating our unwavering solidarity, we can contribute to healing the wounds of our people, and the Palestinian community, and offering hope during these challenging times. It is time to show Jesus’ love and compassion for those in need.
We want to thank all of those who send us emails of affirmation of prayer, solidarity, and financial support. We kindly ask for your continued prayers for the people of Gaza and for the success of our humanitarian efforts. Your support and encouragement are invaluable to us as we work to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by these tragic events. Please stay tuned for further updates on our progress and the ways in which you can support our initiatives. Together, we can be a source of hope and healing for the people of Gaza.
Let us pray:
- For an immediate cease-fire.
- For humanitarian aid to come into Gaza, and that it will be enough for all the people who are in need.
- For comfort and strength for those who lost loved ones. Please pray especially for Shireen Awwad’s family.
- For a concrete international solution to the conflict, for the release of the hostages, and for wisdom for leaders on all sides.
- For us as a college to continue to be the voice of peace, a beacon of light, and support for those who are in need.
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