By Georgia FreeTuesday 17 Oct 2023Hope DriveNewsReading Time: 3 minutes

Watching the conflict unfold between Israel and Gaza over the last week has been devastating to witness. And as calls for restraint and peace intensify, churches across both regions are asking Christians across the world to join in a day of prayer and fasting on today.

Matthew Barnes* from Open Doors, who works closely with local partners on the ground in Gaza, again joined Monday’s Hope Drive to share of the courageous work of churches in Gaza, amidst evacuation orders of over a million people from Gaza City.

“Christians have fled to church buildings. They are together but scared. They aren’t sure what’s going to happen,” Matthew said.

“Although many Gazan people have fled [Gaza City], the Christians have stayed.

“The churches are really taking their position as safe havens [seriously].”

Furthermore, churches in Jerusalem and Gaza are calling on the global community to join in praying for peace.

“Churches in Jerusalem have asked the world to pray for the whole conflict, that peace will come soon, that the violence will stop,” Matthew said.

“But also, for all those who are victims of this terrible war on both sides. Who have lost loved ones, who are wounded.”

Although it can be hard, as witnesses, to continue to remain engaged in the news cycle, Matthew implore\d Christians to “prayerfully watch” what they see.

“When Christians around the world consider that there are many innocent people involved in this crisis, there’s already something to pray for. So, please do it,” – Open Doors

“When Christians around the world consider that there are many innocent people involved in this crisis, there’s already something to pray for.

“So, please do it.”

Listen to Matthew’s full interview on Hope Drive in the player above.

*Name changed for security reasons

Open Doors Shares Gaza-Israel Update and How to Pray for All Affected

By Hope 103.2 Network Thursday 12 Oct 2023

The world has witnessed a tragic escalation of violence in the Holy Land, as a massive attack by Hamas on Israel on Saturday 7 October, has left both Israeli and Palestinian families in anguish.

The scale and brutality of the violence have shocked us all, and our hearts go out to the innocent lives lost. In this time of turmoil, Open Doors is earnestly calling upon Christians worldwide to join in prayer for the people of Israel and Palestine, beseeching for peace to descend upon this war-torn region.

Jordan Scott from Open Doors Australia shared an update on Hope Afternoons with Laura Bennett

On The Ground in Gaza: Interview on Hope Drive with Georgia Free

Matthew Barnes* from Open Doors works closely with local partners on the ground in Gaza and joined Hope Drive to share what the current situation is like – ahead of a mass evacuation of northern Gaza – the role of the churches in the area and what Australians can do to help.

*Name changed for security reasons

Open Doors operates in the West Bank and Israel, collaborating with local partners in Gaza. The ongoing war has disrupted Open Doors’ work in the region, including the cancellation of planned training for women and meetings.

In conjunction with local partners and churches, Open Doors remains committed to supporting the church in Israel and Palestine through various activities, including training, Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership development, advocacy and presence ministry, research, and prayer ministry.

• How to pray for all affected by violent conflict in Israel and Gaza

Feature image: Canva Pro/Pixabay by hosnysalah