A message from Alex

"We must urgently join together and pray for children in Gaza.

Last week I visited Gaza city, during a short break in the fighting, and met with a group of children sponsored by World Vision. When the war started they moved to live in a school building – but they are now trapped in a war zone and surrounded by constant bombardment.

Thirteen year old Fatima told me, ‘I lost my childhood; All Gaza children lost their childhood’.

Thousands of children have now been displaced by the conflict and more than 120 have been killed. Their homes have been destroyed. Their schooling has stopped. They live in terror. And their parents feel unable to protect them.”

Alex Snary, National Director of World Vision Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza,

Mohammed

Sponsored Child Mohammed Zeyad, a few months short of his fifth birthday, was killed in his home.

Mohammed’s parents have given us their permission to share his story and photo in the hope it will help bring an end to this conflict.

Prayers

Prayer 1

For Mohammed’s family, as they come to terms with losing him when a bomb hit their home. His family are still critically ill in hospital. Please pray for God’s strength, grace and comfort as they grieve for Mohammed and recover from their injuries.

Prayer 2

For children who are going through severe psychological trauma – feeling scared, sad and anxious. Pray that God would give them peace along with the courage to express how they feel and begin to heal.

Prayer 3

As this conflict rips open old wounds, for both children and their parents, pray that Palestinian and Israeli families will find ways to build relationships and gradually forgive each other.

Prayer 4

For Alex Snary and his team as they bring crucial food, medical help and psychological trauma care to children despite the risk to themselves. Please pray they will have strength and resilience to keep bringing hope to children in an incredibly dangerous place.

Prayer 5

Pray that God will soften the hearts of leaders in Israel and Palestine, that they will find a resolution that keeps children safe and ends this violence. Pray for wisdom and grace for international leaders as they seek to broker peace between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.