Prayers for Peace

October 27, 2023

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to provide you with an important update on the recent developments in Gaza.

Bethlehem Bible College is committed to fostering peace, understanding, and solidarity. We stand against violence and we mourn the massive loss of human lives in our country, regardless of their nationality. All humans are important to God and all of them are created in His image. In this email, we focus on our Palestinian brothers and sisters because of the great need.

The attack on the Greek Orthodox church of Gaza 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. We are equally saddened by the loss of lives, but also very concerned that soon Gaza will not have any Christians left 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.

As of today, October 27, 7,326 Palestinians have been killed — 70% women, children, and elderly. The number of displaced people is 1.4 million, and the healthcare system is collapsing due to the lack of medicine, equipment, and electricity. To date, 84 trucks with humanitarian aid have entered Gaza. Before hostilities began, the average number of trucks entering with aid was 500.

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. 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.

Also, the situation in the West Bank is deteriorating. The Israeli army has shut all the entrances and exits in and out of the West Bank for the past weeks. They have separated most of the Palestinian cities from each other and have limited movement in Jerusalem for the Palestinians. All of this, combined with the immediate cessation of tourism, has brought the economy to the brink of collapse.

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:

1. For an immediate cease-fire

2. For humanitarian aid to come into Gaza, and that it will be enough for all the people who are in need

3. For comfort and strength for those who lost loved ones

4. For a concrete international solution to the conflict, for the release of the hostages, and for wisdom for leaders on all sides

5. 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

“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” Zechariah 7:8-10

Thank you,

Bethlehem Bible College Leadership