In spite of the challenges some humanitarian aid groups have encountered, Christian Mission to Gaza recently has provided food and clean drinking water to more than 4,000 people in the war-torn country, the former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church reported.
They include residents of Jabalia, 2.5 miles north of Gaza City, which has been under prolonged siege, Hanna Massad, founding director of Christian Mission to Gaza, stated in a Nov. 1 email to supporters of his ministry.
“These efforts are carried out under the care of Gaza Baptist Church, which continues to be a beacon of hope,” Massad wrote.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced Nov. 2 the ongoing military operation in the Jabalia area resulted in the deaths of 900 terror operatives in the past month. The following day, UNICEF reported Israeli bombs killed more than 50 children in the refugee camp adjacent to Jabalia in the previous 48 hours.
‘God’s provision shines through’
In the email report, Massad said a child who received rice told him he and his family had been eating nothing but canned food for a month.
“Our stomachs are ruined from it,” he said.
Massad wrote about an encounter with an elderly woman who asked if the rice the ministry was distributing was for everyone in the camp. When he told her it was, she asked who was providing it. He explained it was offered through Gaza Baptist Church.
“May God bless them, provide for them, and grant success in all their work,” the woman reportedly told Massad.
She explained she had been a resident of Beit Hanoun in northeastern Gaza, the site of a fierce battle one year ago.
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“I left behind 20 dunams [5 acres] of land where we planted strawberries every year,” she continued. “Two of my buildings were destroyed in the bombings. My children were murdered, and my husband had a stroke. I am now caring for him, and the situation is truly tragic and extremely difficult.”
Massad said she added, “Glory be to the changer of conditions, and praise be to God for everything.”
Christian Mission to Gaza has provided financial support to 278 families who have been sheltering in churches in the region, Massad stated.
“Amid challenging circumstances, God’s provision shines through, and it is with grateful hearts that we thank each of you,” he wrote to supporters of his ministry.
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