While written specifically for URC Commitment for Life churches, this monologue, adapted from a Christian Aid news story, may be adapted easily for any congregation connected to Christian Aid.
Worship Leader:
Commitment for Life is our church’s way to make a difference in the world. This global outreach programme enables us together to live out Jesus’s commandment of loving our neighbour, to stand beside the poor and marginalised, to see justice done. Through our generosity and stewardship, Commitment for Life links us to Christian Aid partners and projects in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territory.
7 October marked one year since Hamas attacked Israel. The on-going bombardment of Gaza by Israel has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinians killed, a hundred thousand injured and thousands missing. Half of the homes in Gaza have been damaged or completely destroyed, along with 500 schools and 300 churches and mosques. In October, a Christian Aid worker spoke to 15-year-old Maged about how life has changed for him living in Gaza today.
Today, I would like to introduce to you Maged, to witness his story.
Dramatic Reader:
Salaam. Greetings. My name is Maged. Today, I ask that you, please, remember us and pray for us here in Gaza.
I used to dream of becoming a professional footballer, but when war broke out in Gaza, my dream was shattered. My heart breaks when I see the fields where we used to play, now sites of devastation.
My family, like so many others, has fled our home to escape the bombing. Now we live in a tent. Instead of going to school and football practice, I spend my days queuing for water and food, both of which are in very short supply. The constant drone of planes overhead makes every step feel dangerous.
Obtaining water and food is a big challenge for me because I am responsible for my family in my father’s absence. Before the war, meals were always nutritious and fresh. Now, we have a cup of tea with a thyme sandwich or tinned peas when they are available. We eat what we can, unsure of what the day will bring.
I used to rise each morning to the call to prayer, which filled my heart with God’s peace. Now, I wake up to the sound of explosions which fills me with terror, fear and uncertainty. I miss my friends and family who are gone. I see the fear in my mother’s eyes as she looks at us, silently praying for our safety. When we go to bed, we exchange anxious glances, not knowing if we will see each other in the morning.
My wish is for the war to end, for our suffering to stop. I dream of freedom and peace. I continue to believe in the inherent goodness, mercy and humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians. All of us are bereaved and suffering.
Thank you to Commitment for Life for believing that Love ultimately wins. Thank you for continuing your support of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights working hard on behalf and for all the homeless children and youth here in Gaza. Your prayers and financial support help us hold on to the hope of a better tomorrow. Please, do not forget us.
Worship Leader:
Pray with me. God, thank you for nurturing the seeds we have planted in Gaza and throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel through Commitment for Life and Christian Aid. Amen.
Photo: Maged of Gaza – Credit Christian Aid
