“Unless the Lord had given me help,

I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me.”

(Psalm 94: 17)

Dear Friends all over the world,

Today is one year since the start of the war on Gaza. The up-to-date statistics are devastating:

• Between 7^th October 2023 and 5^th October 2024, at least 41,600 Palestinians have been killed and 96,092 injured, according to MoH in Gaza. 
• Between 7^th October 2023 and the 5^th October 2024, at least 701 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

We live with so much uncertainty and deep concern. We have witnessed the devastation of Gaza, and fear what the future holds for the West Bank. Our hearts are now heavy at what is happening in Lebanon and the north, and the rest of the Middle East.

With all that is happening, we still believe in the strength of the Lord, and hold on to hope that peace will prevail in this land.

We ask for your prayers!

Joining with the Church of the Nativity – St. Catherine’s Church – as we pray for peace here in the place of the birth of the Prince of Peace. A service is held today at 5.30 pm (Jerusalem time).

PLEASE PRAY

• For the children of this war - for families who have lost children; for children who live with life-changing injuries and live in fear; and for children who witness the horror of war.
• For the youth - those living with injury; for those who mourn; for those who live under oppression, feeling anger at the injustice – may they choose the way of peace and non-violence; that they may hold on to hope, and that they may continue with their education.
• For mothers - who have lost children, husbands, and other family - they may be given the strength to persevere.
• For families, and all who have suffered through this war:- for the future: for peace, justice, mercy, and equal rights for all in this land
• For those who mourn and live with fear in Israel
• For the people of Lebanon, as they now suffer violent warfare.

We thank you for your prayers.

Please also hold in prayer our CHRISTMAS campaign - “LIGHT A CANDLE” – which will shine a light on different aspects of our situation here.

With all good wishes,

in peace and prayer.

Shireen Awwad Hilal

For the Shepherd Society