Gaza Conflict Appeal
Giving Urgent Assistance to the Embattled Residents of the Negev
Over recent days, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has continued to assist needy residents of Israeli communities along the Gaza border by sponsoring respites for them away from the constant fear of Hamas rockets and mortars.
On Thursday January 8, we joined with CBN's Operation Blessing in providing a three-day getaway for 130 people in low-income families from the Sderot area, allowing them to enjoy a stress-free time at a Dead Sea resort. The assistance includes rooms, meals and a program of fun family activities.
Earlier this week, our partnership with CBN gave 50 elderly residents of the western Negev a week-long package in sunny Eilat, complete with senior activities. Last week, 76 Sderot youths also enjoyed a four-day trip to the popular vacation spot.
In addition, we recently sent another 80 people from welfare families in Sderot on a three-day respite in the quiet Galilee, while 50 residents of Netivot were provided a fun day in Jerusalem.
Israeli social workers and local charities have advised the ICEJ AID department that the best way to channel our help and concern at this time is to sponsor these relaxing reprieves from the daily rocket barrages. After eight tormented years of warning sirens, they are immensely appreciated, and requests for sponsorship of more retreats are already waiting.
So please do your part to "comfort Zion" by making a donation today.
Meantime, as Israel has confronted another enemy on the battlefield, the nation is again seeking solace through song. It seems that out of every war in Israel's modern history, a melody has emerged that captured the mood and longing of the country at the time. The Six Day War in June 1967 inspired the epic anthem "Jerusalem of Gold." Out of the mourning of the second Palestinian intifada came the haunting melody "Shm'a Israel, Shm'a Elohai."
Now, it seems that a prayerful song written by a Christian from a congregation in Beersheba is catching the attention of the nation and becoming its heart-cry at this trying moment. "A Prayer Under Fire," by Anthony Chapman, has been featured on Israeli television and radio this week, and the powerful song now accompanies a YouTube video montage of the Gaza conflict.
We thank you for all your prayers and caring for Israel at this time.
A Prayer Under Fire
[Hebrew lyrics translated into Engish]
We’re sitting and listening to sirens and explosions
Hoping that no one will be hurt
All those close to us are calling
Checking to make sure that we’re unharmed
God, draw near, we need protection
If not from You, from whom will it come?
God, what now? Things here are all wrong
And we don’t know what is going to happen
I sit in the secret place of the Most High
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress”
I will not dread terror by night
I will not fear the arrow that flies by day
Answer our prayers
Protect our children
Bring us into Peace
© 2009 Anthony Chapman |
