Thursday, March 5, 2009

5/3/09 - English



We thank God for the generous outpouring of aid by individuals in the UK who have organized a massive aid convey for Gaza. The spontaneous, community initiative (called Viva Palestina) has resulted in 110 vehicles full of supplies—including ambulances and fire trucks—being driven across Europe, North Africa, and eventually into the Gaza Strip. We pray for the safe travels of the group—which includes several members of  Friends of Sabeel-UK. We pray that this compassionate initiative will unite and inspire many people.

As countries gather this week to donate to the reconstruction of Gaza and foreign leaders meet with Israeli politicians, we rejoice that the world is turning a critical eye to devastation in Gaza and is offering significant aid. We pray that the international community will not simply give money but will also hold Israel accountable for its vastly disproportionate attack and ongoing siege. We ask God to use this opportunity to bring us closer to a just peace.

Friday is the World Day of Prayer. This annual event is a worldwide ecumenical movement of women of many faith traditions who pray collectively over a common issue. Women from Papua New Guinea wrote this year’s service. We join with them in praying for the challenges of violence, environmental degradation, and corporate exploitation facing Papua New Guinea. We pray that through this day “informed prayer will lead to prayerful action.”

This weekend Sabeel is organizing a trip for Christian young adults from Nazareth and Jerusalem to work with Muslim and Jewish young adults to plant 700 olive trees in communities affected by the Separation Wall. We pray that the event will strengthen ties within the Palestinian Christian community and will foster new friendships and understanding across religions and nationalities. 


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