A Bedouin school was demolished by Israeli forces early Sunday
morning in the Jahalin Bedouin encampment near occupied East Jerusalem. This
was the only school in the Bedouin community, and provided education to 60
students in grades 1 and 2. Not only was the structure destroyed, but all items
within the school were also confiscated, including student’s records and files,
which will make it difficult for families to transfer their children to other
schools.
Lord of all, you said to let the little children come to you, yet
in this place sometimes it feels like you are not to be found. Our heads are
dizzy from the effort of trying to understand why those who are the most
innocent and young must also be the ones to suffer at the hands of violence.
Grant strength to these children and their families, God, as they struggle
against these injustices.
Lord, in your mercy…
There has been a dramatic increase in the demolishing of
Palestinian homes in 2016 by Israel. In just the first six weeks of this year,
293 homes have been destroyed, in comparison to the 447 that were demolished
within the whole of 2015. This is an average of 49 homes demolished per week.
Over 480 Palestinians have been made homeless from these demolitions, including
220 children. The majority of these demolitions occur because the families are
denied permits to build on their own land, others are demolished as collective
punishment.
God of mercy, we mourn with these families the loss of their homes,
their possessions, their sense of security and safety. We ask that you make
your presence known to them, and shelter them with your love as they pick up
the pieces of their lives and attempt to rebuild again. We pray, too, for an
end to the unjust policy that allows for this destruction to continue.
Lord, in your mercy…
The United States and Russia agreed on a cease-fire in Syria, to
take effect this weekend. Though the terms of the agreement are still fragile,
this agreement provides hope that the bloodshed and violence might soon come to
an end.
Lord, we rejoice at this long-awaited agreement, and ask that you
send your Holy Spirit to influence and guide those with the power to make it
succeed. Be with all of those who have fled Syria as refugees, and also with
those who still remain there living in fear.
Lord, in your mercy…
The Sabeel office in Nazareth is taking 50 people on a trip to Biqei’a
and Hurfeish to meet with Christian and Druze communities there and visit
churches in the area. Also, Sabeel Jerusalem is currently recruiting
facilitators to train for an upcoming Bible study program.
God, we give you thanks for the active, growing Sabeel communities.
Please be with those participating in these programs, and allow them to continue
learning more about you.
Lord, in your mercy…
We pray alongside the World Council of Churches for the countries
of Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Spain.
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