Christians Under Attack

those killed was the bus driver for Gaza's Awana Club program.

Open Doors USA supports the Gaza Baptist Church. Open Doors' Al Janssen, "He's a Muslim man, but he drives the bus for the Awana Club programs at the Gaza Baptist Church. And, he was just walking along the street a few yards behind his father when some fighting broke out and he was killed instantly by a stray bullet. It's really hit the church hard."

Janssen says in another incident affected some of his good friends. "He and his wife were at home with their three year old daughter and a stray bullet flew into their apartment window and just barely missed them. So, people are shook up there. It's a trying time for the church," he says.

This is why he's asking Christians to pray for the church in Gaza. "We're one group that God could use to hopefully bring some peace to the region, but to be honest there's also a lot of people that just want to get out of there."

That concerns Janssen. He says, "The sad thing is if too many of the church people leave then what hope is there for Gaza? So, we need to pray that God would put it on the hearts of some of the people to remain firm and be protected and to stay there and be a light in the midst of terrible darkness."

Open Doors is helping the Gaza Baptist Church provide relief for those struggling financially. Janssen says, "For almost a year now, since Hamas came to power, the employees have not been paid. It's hard for the church to reach out and provide help for a hurting community when their own member's needs are not being met."

They're also providing leadership training and other support to the community, which is helping the church be more relevant. People, including former terrorists, are coming to Christ.