A message from Pastor Mike Ashcraft:
The crisis unfolding in the Middle East is heart breaking.
There are a high number of casualties on both sides of the conflict. And while we are praying for peace, the Holy Land is in the midst of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Here is some perspective:
Over 1.6 million people are displaced from their homes and are in critical need of humanitarian aid.
Nearly half of those in need are children.
An estimated 73,000 women are currently pregnant in the West Bank, with more than 8,120 expected to give birth in the next month.
The situation is dire, with the risk of disease outbreaks and high mortality rates looming due to the lack of healthcare as hospitals are overwhelmed with patients and find themselves running out of medicines and basic supplies.
What we can control: How we respond.
The constant reports of tragedy and uncertainty in our 24-hour news cycle are overwhelming. It could be natural for us to passively drift toward anxiety or apathy. But there is a way for us to respond proactively.
In a time when it would be easy to let uncertainty paralyze us, Christ's love actually compels us to take a step towards the uncertainty.
To pray. To lend a hand. To steward well the resources that God has given us to help those who are most vulnerable and in desperate need of help.
This is where you come in.
God has entrusted each of us with time, resources, skills, and means.
While you cannot solve this crisis alone, together we can participate in something so much bigger than ourselves! In this season, many of us wish we could do more, but we can do something!
Let’s ask ourselves this question: “What can I do to bring hope right now?”
Right now, you can pray for and contribute to the humanitarian aid in the Middle East.
Join us in praying for all those affected by the conflict in the Holy Land.
Pray that hostages would be safely released.
Pray for violence to cease and for regional peace.
Pray for comfort and justice for families who have lost loved ones.
Pray for the care of innocent people on both sides of this conflict.
Pray that truth will prevail over any fog of war.
Pray that surrounding nations will work to dampen violence rather than inflame it.
Pray with us:
Contribute with us:
We have designated a special response fund to support those in need in the Middle East. We are grateful to partner with Convoy of Hope as they administer vital relief supplies to vulnerable and hurting people.
In 2023, a cargo plane with 40,000 pounds of additional relief supplies was loaded in the U.S. and flown to the area for immediate distribution.
You can learn more and contribute with the links below!
Process:
How do we process the conflict in the Middle East in a way that invites God to open our eyes and form our hearts?
Processing what is happening in the Middle East is hard and different for everyone.
Most are heartbroken, some know someone personally affected, many feel anger that something like this could happen, and others aren’t sure what to do with the discomfort the subject brings.
All these feelings are normal and okay.
We live in a world that is broken.
This brokenness is revealed in both the destruction we see and in those doing the destroying. There is hurt and pain in places near and far as well as beauty and goodness.
How do we continue with our daily lives but intentionally work to feel the weight of what is happening while simultaneously not let it debilitate us?
We enter into the emotions we feel. And we pour out our hearts to God, who is our refuge. (Psalm 62:5-8) We weep with those who weep but resiliently trust God who is in all and above all. (Romans 12:21) We lean in to trust and rest in the peace that comes from God alone. (John 16:33)
As believers, we are daily continuing to grow in our humble dependence on God. We must worship, seek, and trust His authority and His work in the world around us, even when it is difficult to understand. We must pray and process, and then take a step of obedience.
Give basic, age-appropriate information and be willing to allow them to direct the conversation. Be honest, reassuring, and hopeful in God’s authority. Start by asking what they know about the Middle East and what is happening there or what they have heard. Don’t assume how they feel, but allow them to share their fears, worries, and questions and then encourage them to do something with those emotions. (Example: pray, give, rally friends, journal, etc.)
Preschool & elementary kids:
Conversations should be concrete and low in detail. Avoid graphic images and assure them of safety. Share the good and emphasize stories of God’s work through everyday heroes. Limit media exposure at this age. Connect what is happening to a relatable Bible story such as Jesus’ friends and disciples feeling hopeless when Jesus died. Because God loves us and has promised to never leave us, we can trust that He is working and with the people in the Middle East as well.
Middle & high schoolers:
At this age students start to differentiate from their parents’ voices and begin to form their own ideas. It is a great opportunity for deeper conversations and to allow your students to feel heard. Spend less time talking and more time listening to how the news of the Middle East and other global issues are affecting their hearts.
PROCESSING WITH KIDS & STUDENTS: