Weekly devotion: Caring for children with disabilities in Gaza
Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, Gaza
Above: 1) JPBC therapist Al Zahraa' and the children she supports in Deir Al Balah (central Gaza), 8 July 2024; 2) The JPBC’s Dr Said treats a young patient at the satellite unit in Al Ahli Hospital; 3) JPBC’s social worker, Musa, leading an activity session with the children he supports in Gaza City (9 July 2024).
This week we’re praying for our partner, the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre (JPBC). Located on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem, the Centre provides services for Palestinian children with disabilities, including rehabilitation therapies and helping families to better support their children at home.
Earlier this year, the JPBC launched new mobile services for displaced children with long-term disabilities and acute injuries in Gaza. Operating from a satellite unit based at Al Ahli Hospital, three staff members – a doctor, physiotherapist and social worker – are working hard to deliver emergency rehabilitation and psychosocial services to children in Gaza City.
Meanwhile, two other staff members – a physiotherapist and occupational therapist – are treating children out of emergency medical posts near to where they are sheltering, in southern and central areas of the Gaza strip.
In the words of the Medical Director of the JPBC: “Timely rehabilitation prevents complications and gives children the best chance of thriving following life-changing operations, especially amputations. With so many children undergoing serious orthopaedic surgery every day, we need to provide this rehabilitation in our new unit now. The need is huge.”
Bible reading
Read Luke 8:40-56
Thought
In this well-known gospel account, we read about Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead. This was a time when child mortality would have been very high, but this does not stop Jesus from going out of his way to show compassion to the little girl and her distraught father. Jesus demonstrates his power over death in this narrative, but also his care and concern for individuals – including children.
Ask yourself: The JPBC reflects Jesus’ compassion and care for children in its work. How can you reflect the love of Jesus in your own life? Write a list of practical ideas.
Prayer
Father God,
We lift before you the Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, in particular its work with the children of Gaza. At a time when life is so uncertain and the needs feel overwhelming, we thank you for each faithful staff member striving to treat and care for precious young lives in the Gaza strip.
May your hand of protection be upon the Centre’s satellite unit in Al Ahli Hospital and also upon the mobile clinics further south. Give each member of staff a sense of peace and purpose amidst the turmoil, and sustain and equip them as they do the work they are so passionate about.
Help us not to grow weary of the bad news coming out of Gaza; channel our energies into praying faithfully and standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters there.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You may also be interested in:
Podcast: “We need to stop killing each other”
In this episode, George Antone - an Embrace partner and a member of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City - shares the daily realities of life in Gaza since the war broke out on 7 October 2023. He explains why his faith has led him to remain in Gaza and shares his vision for the future of Palestine.
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