War-Time Update from CMJ
iStock, Credit: 200mm
As the Israel-Hamas War wages on, CMJ Israel continues to find ways to do life and ministry amidst the strife, turmoil, and lack.
Tourism has reduced to a crawl, leaving the ministries under the CMJ umbrella that rely on tourists – like Shoresh Study Tours, the Heritage Centre Museum, and the three guesthouses – short on funding. The guest houses have been offering housing to the displaced and, at times, soldiers. The reduction in tourism isn’t all bad news, though, as it has allowed CMJ staff extra time to minister the love of the Gospel to those around them.
The destruction and devastation of war has brought more work for the Christ Church Mercy Fund, which is doing its best to help people who have lost homes and loved ones and those in need of assistance from the government. A large part of the work that the Mercy Fund does includes counseling, and the need is great right now. They also offer practical support to Jews and Arabs in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and more.
The Anglican International School Jerusalem has lost many students as people have relocated because of the war. The lower number of students is allowing the leadership to work and pray together to strengthen the Christian identity of the school. The school needs teachers for the next school year and hopes to provide scholarships to local Christian and Messianic students.
In greater Israel, many foreign workers have left the country because of the war, so there are a great number of jobs that need to be done and no one to do them. CMJ, partnering with Shoresh Tours, is hosting Tours with Purpose to encourage people to come to Israel and serve the people of Israel by helping with these jobs. CMJ USA Executive Director Cariño Casas is looking for at least seven hearty souls to join her volunteer group from May 21-28, 2024. Contact carino.casas@cmj-usa.org to sign up.
If you feel led to sow into any of these on-going projects, you can give at cmj-usa.org/donate. Be sure to select the appropriate fund in the drop-down menu: Mercy Fund, War Relief, Christ Church Jerusalem, or Jerusalem Anglican School.
Please pray for and with us:
Pray that the war ceases and the hostages are released.
Pray for all who have been injured in this war and those grieving their dead.
Pray for all who are working and caring for others, that they may be the recipient of kindness and care as well.
Pray for the Lord’s provision and that it may bring glory to God.
Pray also for the Jewish people, especially those from the West, as they are shattered and shocked by the rising antisemitism in the West. May they see the love of God in those around them and may we be better examples of his love for all his creation.
We are thankful for the ways in which God has been working as we look for opportunities to share his love with those around us. We are also thankful for your prayers and partnership.
Follow up links:
Tours with Purpose, short-term volunteering in Israel