Practical ways you can pray for those affected by the Israel-Gaza conflict

Bethlehem Bible College (BBC), West Bank

After three weeks of fighting, a cease-fire has halted the Israel-Gaza conflict that began December 27, leaving a severe and critical lack of fresh water, food, fuel for cooking, electricity, medicine, clothing and blankets. It is reported that children in southern Israel are unable to attend school, hindering many from preparing for their matriculation exams, and many of the elderly are unable to leave their homes to purchase the necessary supplies needed to survive. The death toll is reported to be over 1,000 with at least 3,800 injured.

OC partner school Bethlehem Bible College (BBC), West Bank, is working with many organizations, including The Shepherd Society, Life Agape, the Palestinian Bible Society, Musalaha reconciliation ministry and local churches, to raise funds for Gaza. The Gaza Baptist Church will distribute the food, medicine and other items purchased with the funds.

Rev. Jack Sara, an OC faculty scholarship recipient, shared with OC many practical ways to pray for the situation in Gaza: Pray that the Lord will give wisdom to the leaders on both sides; for the believers in Gaza to be a light in the midst of darkness; for bereaved children, men, women and families who lost  their loved ones on both sides; for funding to come in for the many needs; for both the Palestinians and Israelis in general; and for those who do not want peace on both sides.