We cry out with the families of
the seven children killed in the horrendous traffic accident, near Jabaa’
checkpoint last week. We are thankful
for the individual acts of courage by teachers and eye-witnesses who rushed to
the scene. Nearby villagers threw water on the burning bus, as the ambulances
were delayed by traffic congestion caused by the military checkpoint at nearby
Qalandia. We pray for the survivors, many of who sustained critical injuries. The kindergarten class was on its way to a
field trip, when their bus collided with a petroleum tanker. Lord, in your mercy…
The global day of struggle to
Open Shuhada Street in occupied Hebron/Al-Khalil occurs this weekend. The street, formerly a main street for
Palestinian economic life in the city, now lays desolate…closed by the Israeli
military for security reasons that benefit the growing number of settlers in
the area. Our prayers join the shout of millions to Open Shuhada Street again! Lord, in your mercy…
The bad news of settlements
expanding from Area C (under Israeli civil and security control) into Area B (under
Palestinian Authority Civil Administration and Israeli Security control)
coincides with increasing eviction orders for Palestinian families and
homesteads all over Area C. We remember
in particular the Nassar family at the Tent of Nations, who received an
eviction notice from the Israelis last week. The family has been in court for
over 20 years, and they have the property papers going back to the Ottoman era.
The high court in Israel recognizes the family as the rightful owners, but the Israeli
military court doesn’t recognize their ownership. Lord, in your mercy…
We pray for the Sabeel programs
in Nazareth and Jerusalem that ready the hearts and minds of local Christians
for Lent. In Jerusalem, an Orthodox
priest will speak on the Tricodion, in Open Forum style. In Nazareth, a Roman
Catholic priest will explain the will and strength needed for fasting. Upcoming Lenten programs also feature a
Sabeel women’s event in Jericho and a trip for families to Nablus. We pray for safety and enrichment. Lord, in
your mercy…
With the World Council of
Churches, during this world week of prayer for all, we specifically pray for
the churches and populations of Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain. Lord, in your mercy…
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