Amid Struggle and Despair, A Christian with Jewish Ancestry Finds Help for a Palestinian Muslim
13 March 2024 |
Summary of a story from the Adventist Review by Marci Evans.
On a bustling Sunday, January 14, Marci Evans received an unexpected call from Gaza that would underscore the profound impact of global compassion and the strength of human connection across borders. Amidst the routine activity of shopping for a bake sale aimed at supporting an Afghan family, Evans’ conversation with Munther, a resident of Gaza, brought to light the stark realities faced by those living in the conflict zones.
Munther, making the call with the last of his phone’s battery in a region plagued by electricity shortages, shared the dire conditions of his temporary shelter in an abandoned school classroom. The description of his living situation – with no electricity, clean water, or adequate sanitation, and the struggle to feed his family plain rice on the days they could eat – painted a vivid picture of the hardship faced by approximately 1,500 individuals taking refuge in the same school.
This poignant moment of connection between Evans, an American Christian with Jewish ancestry, and Munther, a Palestinian Muslim, reflects a deeper narrative of empathy and action that transcends cultural, religious, and geopolitical divides. Their relationship, fostered through the Love Bridge Projects, a partnership between Adventists and Muslims focusing on charitable work in various parts of the world, highlights the universal desire to aid those in need, regardless of background or belief.
Evans’ commitment to Munther and his family’s wellbeing led her to mobilize support through prayer and financial assistance, leveraging a network of like-minded individuals driven by faith and compassion. The response to her calls for help was swift and significant, culminating in donations that provided much-needed resources for Munther’s community in Gaza.
While the situation in Gaza is still critical, it’s important to remember the power of individual actions to ignite a collective response to humanitarian crises. Evans’ journey of support for Munther’s family, inspired by her son-in-law’s Afghan heritage and her own faith-driven principles, underscores the impact of personal connections in addressing global challenges.
As the world grapples with conflicts that displace millions and test the limits of human resilience, the story of Marci Evans and Munther maintains the hope that, as small as your influence might be, you can help to make a difference.
Evans is involved in the Love Bridges Project and is a member of the “Community of Peacebuilders” – a group working to assist in the Israel-Gaza conflict led by Coordinator of Muslim Ministries at the North American Division, Gabriela Profeta-Phillips. If you’d like to assist in some way, please contact GabrielaPhillips@nadadventist.org.