" … an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream,

“Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.

Stay there until I tell you,

for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

So Joseph got up, took the child and his mother during the night

and left for Egypt …"

(Matthew: 1: 13-14)

Dear friends,

In our Bible reading, we hear of the time Jesus and His family became refugees. We can’t fail to see how they had to flee – immediately – and during the night, to escape the murderous intentions of Herod. Egypt provided refuge. Over this past month, we have had much reason to reflect on refugees. We continue to be grieved by the massacre in Gaza. Many people have had to flee for their lives, several times, to survive. Of course, so many do not survive. 

For the past two weeks, we have also spent time with the refugee community in Almafraq Jordan.

In Almafraq, it was a joy to hold a summer camp for the children every morning. In the afternoons our group split – conducting a ministry to 35 women, alongside the Alliance Church – and making home visits to Syrian refugees.

Our group comprised people from the Shepherd Society, Church members in the area, and also students from Bethlehem Bible College. We are so proud of our students, who have proven themselves to be great team players.

We are now well into Phase 3 of our Job Creation program; from which 47 people will benefit. This initiative, which is in partnership with MENA (Middle East North Africa Alliance), has been a blessing and is benefitting our church members.

This month's focus will be on providing medical needs (such as spectacles and dental treatment) for people in Gaza; and people with special needs, particularly children. 

As of 24^th June, in Gaza, at least 37,626 Palestinians have been killed and 86,098, according to MoH in Gaza. It has been reported that there has been a tripling in the number of people with special needs.

The situation in Gaza is beyond human comprehension, and we now find that we cannot ignore the dire realities unfolding on the West Bank. As of 4^th June, 508 Palestinians have been killed, including 124 children. Israeli authorities have demolished, confiscated, or forced the owners to demolish 904 Palestinian structures, of which 39 percent (350 structures) were inhabited homes. As a result, 2,038 people, including 890 children, were displaced (source: OCHA).

Due to the hard circumstances, we started an initiative to feed the elderly people who have limited financial support if any. We started in Beit Sahour with 35 meals three times a week. Many of our elders need good nutrition and are sick. Such an initiative requires compassion and dedication. Please pray for our elders to be blessed with the care that the Shepherd Society is providing. 

PRAYER

We give thanks for:

• Our job creation program so far
• The distribution of food, medical costs, and necessities to people in Gaza and the West Bank
• The time in Almafraq with the local Church and refugees from Syria. We give thanks to God for blessing this program and every person involved
• We give thanks to our Lord who is protecting and leading our steps.

We ask for prayer for:

• The ongoing massacre in Gaza – for a ceasefire and just peace
• The rising violence in the West Bank – for a just and sustainable peace
• For all those living with disabilities and special needs (particularly children) – much of this is a result of the extreme violence, particularly in Gaza
• For the refugees in Almafraq, and refugees around the world; particularly remembering the constant displacement of the people in Gaza
• The people and activities of the Shepherd Society, as we, under God, face the great difficulties around us 
• For a divine intervention in every step we make in such critical circumstances.  

If it is in your heart to give to the West Bank and Gaza, this is THE TIME!

With thanks and prayer,

Shireen Awwad Hilal

For the Shepherd Society