Archbishop’s message of hope and resilience inspires church leaders in Atlanta |
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“As Episcopalians it is in our DNA to be via media, the middle way, as a bridge to bring people together. That voice of moderation is absolutely intrinsic and essential to our ministry in a place where there is so much struggle.”
— Archbishop Hosam Naoum
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A keynote conversation between the Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, dean of St. James Cathedral in Chicago, and the Most Rev. Hosam Naoum, archbishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem, was a highlight of the annual conference of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes, now known as the Episcopal Parish Network, held in Atlanta in late February.
Their conversation covered the impact of the pandemic on the Diocese of Jerusalem’s parishes and humanitarian ministries, the challenges to the Christian community in the Holy Land in light of growing extremism and political conflict, how the centrality of family and community in the Middle East church can guide Christians in the West, and what the diocese’s American friends can do to support the Christian presence in Jerusalem and beyond.
“It’s because of the prayers and support we get from our friends like you that we keep going,” Archbishop Naoum said. “It’s not something I say for the sake of compliment. I really want you to know that you make a huge difference in our lives when you realize and we realize that we are partners and participants in God’s mission for the world, especially in Jerusalem.”
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Jerusalem Princess Basma Center’s new, mobile outreach van will vastly expand services in remote communities |
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When the Center’s aging community outreach van died last year, things looked grim to the leaders at JPBC. But thanks to a generous donor, a new, fully-equipped van will soon hit the road to serve children with disabilities across the West Bank. |
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JPBC’s partnerships with eight health clinics in Ramallah, Nablus, Qalqiliah, Jenin, Hebron, and Jericho depend on the Center’s mobile clinic van to transport doctors, therapists, and equipment around the West Bank. In late 2021, the Center’s aging van failed to pass inspection and the outreach program and the hundreds of children it serves were at serious risk.
During outreach visits, children with disabilities are diagnosed and referred to the Center in Jerusalem for comprehensive and specialized rehabilitation programs which the local clinics are not equipped to provide. In 2021, from January through November, 924 children with disabilities were assessed through the outreach program, but in December, with the loss of the clinic van, those referrals slowed to a trickle.
In February, we shared the news with our partners in Jerusalem that a generous $150,000 gift from Donald Campbell of Virginia would fund the purchase, modification, and equipping of a Volkswagen Transporter van.
JPBC's director Violette Mubarak wrote to us, “We are grateful for our American Friends’ commitment to JPBC and all of your efforts to sustain our work. We move onward into a new day, and in the light of this news, a more generous and kind world.”
Once back on the road with a new van and equipment, the outreach team will provide diagnoses for close to 100 children per month. These evaluations conducted in local communities are the first step in providing therapy and rehabilitation to many Palestinian children with disabilities.
Listen to six year-old Mira talk about the impact JPBC has made in her life with an eloquence well beyond her years.
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This Easter your support will restore critically-needed surgical care at St. Luke’s Hospital |
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For the leaders at St. Luke’’s Hospital in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, the Depression-era sentiment “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” remains a way of life - that is until aging medical equipment can no longer be repaired and spare parts are unavailable.
Late last year it became clear that a long-serving anesthesia machine in one of its operating rooms was beyond repair. The hospital was forced to cut the number of major surgeries performed in half. Surgeons at St. Luke’s must delay crucial surgeries for people who do not have the means to obtain care elsewhere, placing their lives and their families in peril. Anesthesia is something surgeons cannot “do without.”
Dr. Walid Kerry, St. Luke’s general director, summed up the mission of the hospital: “It is our belief the inability of any member of our community to afford healthcare should not and will not be an obstacle to receiving high quality care, but we need the tools to do our job.” He added, “For many patients, St. Luke’s is their last, if not only, hope. We are honored to carry the responsibility of putting your good works into action on the ground.”
AFEDJ invites congregations and individuals to support our 2022 Easter Appeal to raise $42,000 to purchase a life-saving Genesis anesthesia machine for St. Luke’s Hospital.
What better time for us to join in service with our brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Celebrate the hope of the resurrection by taking part in the compassionate healing ministries in the land where Jesus healed and cared for so many.
With your personal gift of $500 or your congregation’s donation of $1,000 or more you will receive a personal letter of thanks from Dr. Kerry and a beautiful St. Luke’s Hospital ceramic tile designed by a Palestinian artist.
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Good Friday Offering marks 100 years of support to Middle East Christians |
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For 100 years, Episcopal churches have designated their offering at Good Friday services to support Episcopal parishes and ministries throughout the Middle East.
Each year the funds raised are shared by the two active dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East: the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Diocese of Cypress and the Gulf. While the Diocese of Iran is a member diocese of the province, the political situation in Iran precludes any organized church from operating within its borders.
Bulletin inserts, posters, other resources, and a video greeting from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry are available on the Good Friday Offering webpage.
American Friends offers thanks and congratulations to our friends and partners at the Episcopal Church on the centennial of this faithful effort in support our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.
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AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM
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AFEDJ offers a safe, secure channel to make gifts to support the work of the humanitarian institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. |
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