Brother Andrew Visits Martyr’s Widow,YMCA, Islamic Jihad Leader In Gaza

SANTA ANA, CA (March 17, 2008) – Brother Andrew visited Gaza in late February to encourage the Christians living there under terrible circumstances.

“The condition of this small piece of land is miserable,” said Andrew, founder of Open Doors. “It had been raining for a few days and the sewer was damaged in many places, so stinking garbage was floating through the flooded streets of Gaza.” With a sad voice he added: “And  trash in the streets was only one problem people have to face…”  

YMCA Library

A few days before his visit, the attack on the YMCA premises in Gaza startled the small Christian community. Fourteen masked men overpowered two guards and placed two bombs in the building, one in the administration’s office and the other explosive in the library. Although only the latter bomb actually detonated, the destruction is vast. “The library housed 8,000 books and many hundreds of them are totally destroyed or damaged,” Andrew said. “The rest of the books were moved to a safe place now and are being restored if necessary.”

The damage to the building itself is substantial, Andrew reported. “When the bomb went off, it blew a big hole in the floor and caused the racks and shelves to fall down. Light fixtures dangle from the ceiling connected by only the electric wiring. Fortunately, no one got hurt in the attack.”

Soon after the attack, the two guards were set free, unharmed by their assailants.

Christian Bookstore

For many Christians in Gaza, the attack on the YMCA library fueled their anxiety because the violence specifically targeted Christians. Especially since the killing of Rami Ayyad in October 2007, many Christians feel they are being targeted as a minority within a minority.

Hamas could not guarantee the safety of Christians in the Gaza strip after Ayyad was murdered, and time and again, Hamas seems unable to effectively protect Christians and Christian organizations. Though Hamas promised to track down Ayyad’s killers, no announcements have been made of positive results, despite many rumors and leads. Hamas believes that the attackers of the YMCA building are the same as the killers of Ayyad.

Because of the threatening situation, seven families connected to the Palestinian Bible Society were granted permission to leave the Gaza strip and temporarily stay in Bethlehem. For the present, the only Christian bookstore in Gaza, run by the Palestinian Bible Society, will remain closed. “It is a sad view to see the blue doors of the shop closed, and notice that someone thoughtlessly left some wooden panels against the doors, while there is much of value behind these doors,” Brother Andrew said.

Pauline And Sama

Pauline Ayyad, the widow of Rami, was among the families who temporarily moved to the West Bank. Her parents stayed in Gaza. Pauline and her two sons, George and Wissam, returned to Gaza the first week of January.

Shortly after her return, the situation in Gaza dramatically deteriorated and caused much concern, especially because hospitals sometimes lacked power, water or enough medication. Despite this, Pauline gave  birth to a healthy daughter on February 4. Pauline explained that she named her daughter Sama, which means “heaven” because her father is in heaven now.

In memory of Rami’s death, Pauline received a plaque. “Especially for the boys and the little girl, Sama, when they’ve grown up, it is important for them to know why their father was killed and know that this terrible killing did not go unnoticed,” Andrew said. “Their father is a hero.”

A Bible For The Leader Of Islamic Jihad

Andrew’s reason to go to Gaza, particularly under the present circumstances, was “because we need to bring a message to God’s children. With several Christians I have shared from the Word, and especially from the letter to the Philippians, that we must be brave if we face our enemies, that we must live in the way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. We need to pray for these dear people!”

Besides visiting Christians, Andrew also made contact with the leader of the Islamic Jihad in Gaza and gave the leader a Bible. “We must give the Word of God to these leaders,” said Andrew, as if this is a common thing to do in daily life. “After that I prayed with him, because shouldn’t there be someone praying with the leader of Islamic Jihad?”

Points For Prayer:

• The peace of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Gaza City. Pray that an end will come to this destructive cycle of murder and violence.
• The Christians involved in ministries in Gaza. Pray that the right decisions will be taken in how to reach out or how to move on.
• Openness among the leaders of the different Islamic factions. Pray that they will get to know Jesus through a dream, through a testimony of a Christian raising his voice or through any other way. Pray that the Bible presented to the leader of Islamic Jihad will be read by him (and many others).
• Pauline and her family and friends. Pray for endurance and persistence under these difficult circumstances. And pray for little girl Sama as well.
• The small Christian community, whether they are Catholic, Baptist or whatever background. Pray that Christian presence in the Gaza strip will not fade out.

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