Many around the world are breathing a sigh of relief as the latest ceasefire in the Gaza Strip results in the long-awaited release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. Thank God all lives were saved and all families were reunited.
Those of us who live and serve in the Holy Land know how fragile this peace is.
But those of us who live and serve in the Holy Land know how fragile this peace is and how difficult it is to rebuild lives. The sounds of weapons may have stopped, but the pain, fear and injustice continue.
If this truce is to have any meaning, it must be more than a temporary suspension. It must be the beginning of a true and lasting peace rooted in justice, mercy and truth.
The forgotten struggle of the West Bank
Meanwhile, while the world’s media focuses on Gaza and Israel, life in the West Bank remains in deep distress. Bethlehem (the birthplace of the Savior) continues to be suffocated by harsh occupations, closures, checkpoints, and daily humiliations. Economies are collapsing, families struggle to survive, and Christian communities continue to shrink under great pressure.
However, even in these difficult times, the light of Christ still shines. The church faithfully gathers together. The ministry continues in Gaza, where young believers continue to have hope in God’s promises.
We, the living stones of this earth, testify that the true Peace, the Prince of Peace, is still at work, even when the world seems blind to His presence or blind to the suffering of our people.
A call to the world church
To my brothers and sisters around the world:
Please pray for all those who are suffering.
Pray not only for the security of Israel, but also for the freedom, security, dignity and future of the Palestinian people. Pray not selectively, but for all who are suffering and whose hearts have been hardened by fear and trauma.
True peace cannot be achieved through political strategy, military force, or violence. That can only happen if all people in this country are given their God-given right to live in freedom and dignity. As the Bible reminds us:
“The fruit of righteousness (literally “justice”) is peace, and the fruit of righteousness (also “righteousness”) will be peace and confidence forever. ” (Isaiah 32:17)
Please pray with us.
Lord, God, we come before you with humility and hope. We are grateful for every sign of mercy and every life saved. But Lord, what we are asking for is more than a truce. we seek change.
Heal the broken hearts of Gaza, the West Bank, and all over the land. Give to those in need and strengthen your church to be a beacon of hope and compassion. We pray for the rebuilding of Gaza and for hope for people across the country who have lost parents, spouses, and loved ones.
Use your church in Gaza to be a light in these times, and raise up leaders in Palestine who will represent the people with wisdom, service, and godly strength in times like these.
We pray for Israel’s leaders that they will seek the sometimes costly path of peace—a path of reconciliation, compassion, and justice that truly reflects the will of God.
Turn the hearts of all the leaders of the Holy Land to You, Father. May all leaders of all sides seek justice and peace.
We help world and regional leaders understand that achieving peace is not just a trophy on the wall, or an opportunity to receive international awards and recognition. Rather, it is about saving lives and changing the future of our nation for the better. It is participating in Jesus’ call to give people a better life.
May all the people of this nation understand that true justice and security can only be built on justice and grace. And the truth.
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, reveal Yourself to both Palestinians and Israelis as Savior and Deliverer. Bring salvation, reconciliation, and the freedom that only comes through your Spirit.
May this truce be the seeds of lasting peace and the coming of your kingdom in Gaza, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Pastor Jack Sara is president of Bethlehem Bible College. Born and raised in the Old City of Jerusalem, Jack dedicated his life to Christ and His teachings before studying at Bethlehem Bible College. Jack has been ordained as a pastor at Evangelical Alliance Church in the Holy Land, where he continues to oversee the leadership of the church. He is General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance for the Middle East and North Africa and works extensively in the field of peace and reconciliation.
