Update from Gaza

Marilyn finally gets to cross over into Gaza

 

Update from Marilyn’s Executive Director of Global Ministries, Stephen Kiser:

The night before our visit to Gaza, Dr. Hickey and I were contacted with the news that Israeli Secret Service approved my entry into Gaza, and they were still working on Dr. Hickey’s paperwork; we heard that though approved, one can be denied entry even during passport stamping at the border.  The whole day before we stayed at hotel in prayer and know at least 300 others were agreeing with us.

Then we arrived at border at 9:00 am which is the time arranged for my crossing, but we kept pushing for Dr. Hickey’s to join me. After more than two hours, Dr. Hickey sent me on in as she wanted to get things going. All the while she kept speaking the Word and saying she would get in! I entered Gaza at 11:30 and was on my own with our video camera…

 

Passing through was very much like passing through a prison movie and it was shocking to see the drastic change in landscape from a hundred feet away in Israel on the other side of massive concrete wall.  I went on to tour the very sad, war-torn, barren area, on my way to meet with members of the Mid-East Council of Churches, including the Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as Christians and Muslims.

There were grave needs but the relief they all agreed is most paramount is: freedom.

 

 This is one of the saddest places God I’ve ever been.  They are held literally as prisoners within this small area of land with less than 3,000 Christians, ruled by the sword of Hamas.However, it was encouraging to hear that Muslims and Christians live together as families.  Gaza has around 70% unemployment and approaching 70% of population is under age of 25.  These young people have no hope without God’s intervention.  Just rising over 50% now is a population suffering from mental issues from the stress of constant bomb attacks and living in such oppression, fear and physical danger.

The greatest news of the day was when I received word they were letting Dr. Hickey through. The main concerns were about her presence in Gaza as a high-profile person that could make Israel look bad if something happened.  She stayed for 1.5 hours before we had to cross back over before border closed.  She was able to tour and meet with Muslims and Christians and share God’s word and her mission, and hear their hearts.  I’m sure she will share more on her experiences later…

We were not able to meet on this visit with Hamas Prime Minister as planned, due to us not getting into Gaza early – but those inside believe this will happen on our next visit. We are believing with them.  We must pray for breakthrough for these people!  They need to hear that the outside world cares…and that we have not forgotten them. Most importantly they must know that our God has not forgotten them…if we do not go and tell them, who will?