By Michael Ireland

“Pray that the war between Israel and Palestine is shorter and less devastating than what military and political speculators around the world are predicting.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: BCN recognizes the Scriptural call to support and stand with Israel. At the same time, we know that God loves both Israelis AND Palestinians; both Jews AND Muslims; and of course, Christians. While this particular prayer request is focused on Christians who are affected by the Gaza war, we believe we are called to pray for ALL of those in the area—for God’s Divine intervention in the situation. It is only God’s Spirit that can change the heart of a terrorist. –Aimee Herd, BCN.

(Garden Grove, California)—An estimated 10,000 Israeli ground troops moved into Gaza on Jan. 3rd, [in answer to the continuous rocket and long range missile attacks on Israel by the terrorist organization, Hamas]. [Meanwhile,] the small community of Christians in the area have been drawing strength from their faith in God. Last week’s attacks left more than 400 dead and 2,000 injured and the numbers are expected to dramatically increase.

According to reliable reports cited by Open Doors USA, the Gaza Baptist Church building was still standing this morning but has had some of its windows shattered by the bombings.

In an e-mail addressed to Open Doors ministry supporters, Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl A. Moeller writes: “Some Christian families left Gaza for Bethlehem over the holidays and are now separated from their loved ones with the border sealed. Many of the hospitals, already lacking basic medicines and medical equipment, are overwhelmed with the casualties and often are without power.

“This is serious trouble for Christians in Gaza. Even before the recent end to the ceasefire (December 19) and the bombings, the estimated 3,000 Christians in Gaza have been living in fear from threats from Islamic militants.”

Moeller asks US Christians to join him in prayer for these brave Christians in Gaza in the wake of this new outbreak of violence.

“Pray that the war between Israel and Palestine is shorter and less devastating than what military and political speculators around the world are predicting. Pray that Christian families will be reunited. Pray that the Gaza Baptist Church building will be spared from the bombs,” said Moeller.

According to Moeller, earlier this year one Believer in Gaza stated: “Seventy percent of the Christians want to leave Gaza because they are very afraid. But we love Gaza. It’s our country, we have roots here, our homes are here. We will not know anyone if we go somewhere else.”

Moeller concludes: “Pray that the seeds Brother Andrew sowed with Hamas and other prominent militant groups and the Gazan Christians sowed throughout the years when the Palestinian Bible Society actively shared God’s love with Muslim friends and neighbors will bear fruit. May their offerings of Christ’s love result in peace and God’s glory.”