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 or wishing to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Worship Leader:
Commitment for Life is our church’s way to make a difference in the world. This exciting 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.
Today we meet an unnamed youth, either Christian or Muslim, living in Gaza, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Dramatic Reader: (ideally wearing a kafiya around their shoulders)
Salaam. I greet you in peace.
I live in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. I am one of the youth who frequented a youth centre run by your partner in Gaza, the Culture and Free Thought Association. The centre helped us learn leadership skills, and helped me and my friends cope with the occupation and violence in which we live. Today, I ask that you pray for us. And, please, do not forget us.
I would like to share things with you that are beyond belief, but they are true:
Since 7 October, 2023, the Israeli occupational forces have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians living here in Gaza. More than half of them were children like myself, or even younger. As many as a hundred thousand Gazans have been injured and thousands are missing, probably buried beneath the rubble of our towns and cities. More than half of our homes have been damaged or completely destroyed, more than 500 schools and 300 churches and mosques.
Remember, too, the 1,200 people in Israel who have been killed, and those who have been injured. All of us are bereaved and suffering.
I continue to believe in the inherent goodness, mercy and humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Thank you, Commitment for Life, for believing that Love ultimately wins and for continuing your support of our youth.
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: Palestinian youth – Christian Aid
