“Faithful in prayer. Mourn with those who mourn.”
With U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative in motion, a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip on the 10th, and negotiations are underway for the release of hostages and prisoner exchanges. Christianity Today recently reported that, even amid the ruins left by two years of war between Israel and Palestine, church leaders on both sides are bringing hope and healing through the gospel and acts of love.
Pastor Israel Pochtar, who leads Beit Hallel Church in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, witnessed the horror firsthand during the Hamas attack on October 7. From his 30th-floor apartment, he saw smoke rising and heard explosions echoing in the southern sky. At first, he thought it was fake news, but when the truth of the massacre and hostage crisis emerged, he wept in disbelief.
Later that day, while driving his son to a military base, he saw soldiers filled with fear and confusion. He began to pray about how he could serve those who were terrified. As the war dragged on, his church acted quickly—120 volunteers wearing helmets and bulletproof vests entered dangerous areas to deliver food and water to the elderly, children, and young mothers.
“We visited them during the day to bring food, prayer, and comfort to those who had to run to bomb shelters with their children every night,” Pastor Pochtar said. Over time, transformation began to appear. Disillusioned with government and military failures, many people started turning to God and seeking faith. The church also witnessed a rise in marriages and births among young families.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the border, another powerful gospel movement was unfolding. Fawzi Khalil, relief and ministry director of Kasr el-Dobara Church, saw Palestinian refugees lying wounded on the floor in the border city of Sheikh Zeweid.
“I heard people groaning in pain, but I had no medical training,” he recalled. “Then the Holy Spirit moved my heart, telling me, ‘Give them something to eat.’” He returned to Cairo and began a refugee relief ministry. What started with five families quickly spread—today, about 600 church members visit 5,000 Palestinian households in Cairo every week.
“Personal visits matter more than large-scale aid,” Khalil said, adding that refugees need “someone to cry with, not just bread.” He recounted visiting a paralyzed man from Gaza, comforting him with the words, “The church is your home.” The church then provided him with a custom wheelchair. “For two years, not one person has refused our help,” he said. (Source: Gospel and Prayer News, Edited Version)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:12-13,15)
God, we pray that You would bless the churches in Israel and Palestine that have not stopped proclaiming the gospel even in the ruins of a terrible war. Now that the ceasefire has come into effect, let them share the love of the Lord even more boldly. Strengthen those who have come to seek You in their deep thirst and despair. May they hear the hope of heaven and be raised as believers who endure through suffering and wait in prayer for the day of Your coming. Through the churches that rejoice with those who rejoice over the ceasefire and weep with those who mourn the scars of war, let the season of Christ soon come upon this land.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
