I am at present on sabbatical, but I cannot be silent in the wake of
developments the Ukraine and Gaza in recent days. Both situations need
urgent and intentional intercessions, and I urge you to uplift in prayer
those who have been devastated by war.
The blowing apart of a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine, the
aggressive killing of God's people -- so soon after the
disappearance of another over the Indian Ocean -- is almost
unpardonable. We pray for the souls who died in this unnecessary
conflict, we extend our condolences to the families of those who died,
and we pray for the safety of airline passengers and for an end to this
costly war.
Similarly, the conflict in Gaza is a senseless, unnecessary conflict. No
war will bring peace and security to Israel and Palestine, in particular
not when it involves the heartless use of brute force which has been
deployed in the past week. I condemn the killings and the occupation,
and join those who are calling for a conversion of brief
suspensions of hostilities into a permanent ceasefire.
We pray for those who have died and send our condolences to all who have
lost loved ones, and we pray also for the international leaders and
diplomats who are seeking long-term solutions. The Israelis and the
Palestinians can find a solution -- now they must find one, and the
international community needs to bring maximum pressure to bear on both
to ensure they do.
God bless you,
+Thabo
