From the heart

Dear partner and friend

It’s such a wonderful privilege when we can share the gift of Christ’s birth this Christmas with others and celebrate His life.

So as we look toward the close of 2025, our hearts naturally turn again to the Holy Land – the birthplace of our faith and the setting of so many stories that have shaped who we are. But as we look towards it, we’re reminded that it carries deep wounds.

In the Holy Land the Church is under severe threat of being wiped out. While we as an organisation recognise the existential threat upon Israel, the crisis for the Palestinian Christians and the future of the Church can’t be overlooked.

Christian Arabs living in Palestine have faced decades of persecution and suffering for their faith.
Since 2021, Palestine’s score on the World Watch List has steadily risen. The outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023 has caused tremendous harm to the small Christian community. The Palestinian Church is, simply put, about to die.

In Gaza, 350 Christians (at most) remain, and it is likely they will leave if given the chance. In the West Bank, fewer than 40 000 Christians remain, and a huge outflux of families is expected. The witness of Christ in the Holy Land is at stake.

The remnant of the Church is under serious pressure in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel itself. Please would you take time to pray for the Church in Israel and Palestine: that Christians remain courageous, rooted and a living testimony of Christ’s peace.

While we pray for our family in the region and reflect on the wounds of the Holy land, may we be reminded of the ancient proclamation:

“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:11

May this verse serve as a reminder that even in times of upheaval, hope isn’t lost and that moments of grace can emerge in the darkest circumstances.

His birth in Bethlehem declares that darkness doesn’t win. His life and death show that love triumphs over hatred. His resurrection assures us that hope outlasts every empire and every war.

May we also remember our global family, which includes children like Robin in Bangladesh who face extreme hardship and need hope. It includes families who cherish the life-giving hope that comes from a Bible placed in their hands.

In this season as we pray, reflect and act, I thank you for journeying with us through this year and recently sharing your own stories of how our Saviour has changed your life through your first Bible. It’s so meaningful and a reminder of the hope God brings even in the most difficult circumstances.