Our Ministry in Bethlehem

Slowly Hamas is returning hostages to Israel, some alive, some dead. Israel is releasing Palestinian prisoners in return.

No official ratio has been given but from reading various sources it appears that Israel is releasing well over 100 prisoners for each Israeli hostage held by Hamas.

In just one exchange, Israel released 369 prisoners for 3 hostages. The “cease-fire” may not last longer than the exchanges of those held by both sides.

Many of the Palestinian suspects released were not arrested in Gaza during Israeli military operations, but rather inside the “West Bank” which officially includes Bethlehem.

None of these actions or exchanges change anything for the Christians in the Bethlehem area who are suffering from near 90% unemployment.

Christians who worked in Israel prior to the October, 2023 terror attack are still not back to work. Because of bus bombings in Tel Aviv it is unlikely that any Palestinians will be allowed back in Israel to work in the near future.

Tourism to Israel and the holy sites in the West Bank has completely shut down. Several Christian tour agencies have shut down entirely. Many of the unemployed worked in hotels and restaurants used by tourists and pilgrims.

Prime Minister Netanyaho stated at the beginning of military operations in Gaza that the final goal was the removal of Hamas from power. After nearly 18 months of fighting, rather than being removed from power, Israel is now dealing directly with Hamas during the cease-fire.

Hamas has not surrendered and their terror will continue.

Our work in Bethlehem: At great cost Heart for the Persecuted Church continues to distribute adult diapers and food packages to the poorest Christian families in the most need.

Food packages vary depending upon the size of the family and what is available. We only purchase supplies from Christian businesses. Wholesale food comes from Jordan and other Islamic nations and the orders of the Muslim businesses are filled first.

The goal is to supply goods such as flour, cornmeal, sugar, and rice. Canned goods are also supplied as we can obtain them.

The food we supply helps those who were unemployed or elderly, or whose families cannot assist them because of the unemployment.

The Palestinian Authority, which is run by Muslims, controls all aspects of civil life. The Palestinian Authority designates who gets aid that arrives from other nations.

Christians are last in line to get anything –if they receive anything at all. They need our help!

To do more, I must reach more people with the news of the condition of Christians in the Holy Land.

In March we began posting strategic online advertising on various social media sites including Facebook and Instagram. Ads are also placed at specific Christian websites.

The online ads direct readers to go to a specific webpage describing the situation in the Holy Land. You can learn more by visiting the webpage at www.H4PCholyland.org.

The impact of the advertising is more important than any revenue the ministry receives. Tens of thousands of Christians who view the ads will be made aware of the conditions facing Christians in the birthplace of our Lord. American Christians must be alerted to the dire state of Christians in the Holy Land.

Prayer is needed! Please pray for the Christians remaining in the Holy Land. Pray for the elderly and disabled Christians who need medical care. Pray for those in need of the adult diapers.

Please pray for the children and elderly who suffer from hunger.