Christians in Israel and Gaza Report Growth in Ministry Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israel Pochtar, a pastor at Congregation Beit Hallel in Ashdod, Israel, still recalls the horror of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostage. The attack, marked by reports of rape, torture, and families burned alive, left Pochtar and many others in shock. As he drove his son to a military base, he witnessed the fear and confusion of soldiers, a moment that left him in tears. In the aftermath, Pochtar turned his focus toward serving a broken and fearful community, seeking ways his church could offer aid and comfort.

Four months later, Fawzi Khalil, director of relief ministries at Cairo’s Kasr el-Dobara Church, visited the Egyptian border with Gaza. There, he encountered the suffering of Palestinian refugees who had crossed into Sheikh Zuweid. In a converted sports center functioning as a field hospital, he saw hundreds of injured people, many with missing limbs. The scene, reminiscent of a Civil War battlefield, overwhelmed Khalil, who lamented his lack of medical training. The Holy Spirit, he said, guided him to provide food instead. Returning to Kasr el-Dobara, the largest Protestant church in the Middle East, he launched a ministry to support Palestinian refugees.

Two years after the attack, the region remains deeply scarred. Gaza is in ruins, with over 67,000 Palestinians reported dead. Dozens of Israeli hostages remain in captivity, with 20 believed to be alive. Despite the devastation, Christians in both communities have found ways to serve amid the suffering. Pochtar’s church continues to support those in need, while Khalil’s ministry provides food and care to Palestinian refugees. Their efforts reflect a commitment to mercy and service, even in the midst of war and division.

The Christian communities in Israel and Gaza have faced immense challenges, yet they have also demonstrated resilience. In Ashdod, Pochtar’s congregation has become a beacon of hope for those affected by the conflict. In Egypt, Khalil’s ministry has extended aid to those displaced by the war. These acts of compassion, though small in the face of such tragedy, embody the call to care for the vulnerable and to seek peace in a broken world.

The ongoing conflict has tested the faith of many, but it has also inspired acts of love and service. Christians in the Holy Land continue to witness to the Gospel through their actions, offering food, comfort, and hope to those in need. Their efforts, though often unnoticed, reflect a deep commitment to justice, mercy, and the well-being of their neighbors. In a time of great suffering, these acts of kindness serve as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and compassion.

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