Lament for a Holy Land

The eruption of terrible violence in Israel and Palestine over the past couple of weeks has remained top of mind for many in these days. This past Sunday, staff and students from Westgate Mennonite Collegiate did a beautiful job of framing their visit to Bethel with prayers for this region that has known so much violence, destruction, occupation and division. They continued with their service of energetic music and storytelling, but we keep this unfolding drama of loss and horror before us even as life continues for us here. You can read the prayers here.

This Sunday, we will celebrate Mennonite Church Canada’s International Witness programs and partnerships. Among these is a relationship with Palestinian Christians through the Bethlehem Bible College. We think about our connections as a global body of Christ, and remember especially our brothers and sisters who are living in the midst of this devastating crisis. Earlier this week, Mennonite Church Canada posted a letter and call to prayer from the Bethlehem Bible College, which you can access here. MC Canada’s Palestine-Israel Network has also shared statements and prayers in the past week, found here.

We share our laments for unimaginable violence and suffering in the land that we have called holy. O Lord, hear our prayers.

- Kevin Derksen