THE URGENCY OF PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST: A BIBLICAL REFLECTION
The ongoing war between Israel and Palestine in Gaza has once again reminded the world of the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict. Images of destruction, displacement, and loss of innocent lives, especially among children and families, echo the deep pain of humanity torn apart by violence. As followers of Christ, it is important for us to reflect on these realities not only from a political or humanitarian standpoint but also from a biblical perspective.
The Bible consistently points to God’s heart for peace and reconciliation. The prophet Isaiah envisioned a world where swords would be beaten into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, where nations would “not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). Jesus Himself, in the Sermon on the Mount, blessed the peacemakers, calling them “children of God” (Matthew 5:9). These verses are not distant ideals but urgent calls to embody peace in times of hatred, mistrust, and war.
The conflict in Gaza is not only geopolitical but also deeply human. Every life lost, whether Palestinian or Israeli, is precious in God’s eyes. The tragedy lies in how communities, created to live in dignity and harmony are caught in vicious cycles of revenge, fear, and mistrust. The psalmist prays for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), a prayer that extends to all the peoples of the land, reminding us that God’s vision for the Middle East is not domination but shalom – wholeness, justice, and reconciliation. In the current context, the Church and faith communities worldwide are called to stand in solidarity with all who suffer. We are called to lift our prayers for leaders to seek just solutions, for communities to resist hatred, and for reconciliation to prevail over revenge. The Gospel challenges us to embrace justice, mercy, and peace (Psalm 85:10).
The urgency of peace in the Middle East is not only for that region but for the world. Wars in the Holy Land ripple across nations, fueling division, extremism, and despair. As the body of Christ, we must ask: how are we contributing to peace? How are we embodying the love of Christ that breaks down walls of hostility (Ephesians 2:14)? Let us fervently pray for Gaza, for Israel, and for the wider Middle East region. The Palestine Bible Society continues to serve faithfully — providing Bibles, offering trauma counseling, facilitating peace dialogues, and calling on the global church to intercede for the victims of war, especially the hungry and suffering children. We must earnestly seek God’s intervention to end the inhuman suffering caused by hatred, violence, and war in the Gaza Strip.
As Jesus and His disciples showed deep compassion for the hungry multitudes—feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6) and the four thousand (Matthew 15; Mark 8)—so too must we reflect His heart today. In those moments, the Lord not only provided physical nourishment but also revealed a greater truth: that the Kingdom of God is marked by abundance, generosity, and care for the vulnerable. What seemed meager—just a few loaves and fish—became more than enough in His hands, teaching us that when we surrender what little we have to Christ, He multiplies it for the blessing of many.
Today, in Gaza and in many corners of our world, countless people cry out in hunger. The tragedy is not the absence of food—God has richly blessed creation with enough for all—but the barriers of conflict, greed, and injustice that prevent food from reaching those who need it most. This is not merely a humanitarian crisis; it is a spiritual challenge that calls us to embody Christ’s love in action.
To follow Jesus is to be moved by the same compassion that stirred His heart. It means refusing to turn away from the hungry, the displaced, and the oppressed. It means becoming His hands and feet, finding ways and means—however small—to share, to give, and to restore hope. As disciples of the Living Christ, let us be part of God’s miracle today, breaking the cycle of scarcity with faith, generosity, and justice. For when we feed the hungry, we not only fill empty stomachs but also proclaim the Gospel of God’s Kingdom—a Kingdom where all are invited to the table of life.
In response, international Bible Societies, along with the global community, are united in their appeal for peace and the cessation of conflict. True peace begins when we allow Christ’s reconciling love to shape our words, actions, and relationships. The urgency of peace is now, and the call is ours to embrace and live out.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
UNITED BIBLE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER – PALESTINIAN BIBLE SOCIETY BRINGS RELIEF AND RENEWAL
In some of the world’s most challenging places – Jenin, Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, the Palestinian Bible Society (PBS) is living out the Gospel under extraordinary pressure.
In the wake of recent violence and ongoing unrest, PBS has been on the frontlines, offering both practical aid and spiritual comfort. Families who have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods are receiving food, clean water, blankets, medical supplies, and Scripture materials. Beyond meeting urgent needs, PBS teams are providing trauma healing, emotional care, and spiritual encouragement.
Serving in these contexts is never without risk. Staff often navigate dangerous travel routes, military checkpoints, and the emotional weight of ministering amid grief and fear. To sustain their mission, PBS has invested in capacity building – training staff in crisis response, organizational development, and emotional resilience. Through special gatherings both in person and online, teams have had space to debrief, share experiences, and strengthen their ability to respond effectively.
Board members, team leaders, and outside specialists are working closely together to ensure coordination and readiness, even as the situation continues to evolve. And while much of their work meets urgent physical needs, PBS is also intentional about creating “moments of blessing”opportunities to encourage, pray for, and walk alongside individuals amid uncertainty.
Their presence in these regions is a living testimony: in times of deep crisis, God’s Word still speaks, and His people still serve—bringing light, hope, and love where it is needed most. Please consider how you could support their work today.
Prayer Points:
Pray for an end to the conflict and violence.
Pray for the comfort of grieving families and communities.
Pray for the hungry and thirsty people of Gaza.
Pray for protection and encouragement for PBS staff in high-risk areas.
Pray for wisdom for leadership and decision-making in uncertain conditions.
Pray for provision to meet urgent and emerging needs.
Pray for lasting peace in Jerusalem and across the Holy Land.
TELANGANA AUXILIARY
During July 18 to 21, 2025, the Telengana Auxiliary hosted various programmes, in which Mr. Caleb Martin Hilton, the Associate Director of Media, Communication & Information and Technology Department had the privilege to be part of the programmes as Chief Guest. Highlights of the programmes are as follows:-
Branch Meeting – 18th July
The meeting gathered leaders from approximately 44 branches across the state, centred on the theme “Rooted and Built.” It was a valuable opportunity for Mr. Caleb Martin to share the mission and vision of BSI and engage directly with leadership. The gathering also marked a notable leadership transition, with the newly elected President, Vice President, Treasurer, and other office bearers formally welcomed. Many branch leaders expressed that they found the information and the sharing during the meeting to be very helpful and enriching.
They conveyed their deep appreciation for the various ministries that the Bible Society of India is engaged in, acknowledging the impact of its work in making God’s Word accessible in different formats and for diverse communities.
Audio Bible Distribution – 19th July: Audio Bibles were distributed to those who cannot read and write in the remote villages of the Khammam region, making the Word of God accessible to those unable to read, encouraging deeper engagement with the Word among the community.
Bible Sunday – 20th July
Bible Sunday was observed at St. Patrick’s Church in Palawancha town, marking a meaningful milestone as the church welcomed BSI after a gap of ten years. Rev. Dr John Basy Paul shared God’s Word, and I had the opportunity to bring greetings and briefly present about BSI and its ministry. The congregation generously contributed nearly ₹40,000 towards the Bible cause. More importantly, this occasion rekindled and restored a relationship that had long been closed. The church leadership has also committed to supporting the Bible cause on an annual basis.
Meeting with Studio Team – 21st July
Mr. Caleb had the opportunity to meet with the recording studio team to review the ongoing Telugu Audio Bible project, ensuring both quality and timely progress. It was encouraging to note their commitment and hard work.
This visit proved to be both fruitful and encouraging, as it strengthened ministry relationships, expanded the scope of Scripture engagement, and restored important partnerships. Mr. Caleb expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratefulness to Rev. Dr. John Basy Paul, the Telangana Axuiliary Secretary for his gracious invitation, warm hospitality, and the generous support extended. He deeply appreciated the support given by the Auxiliary leadership towards the ministry of BSI.
THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA OBSERVES TRIBAL AND ADIVASI DAY ON AUGUST 8, 2025
The Bible Society of India (BSI) commemorates Tribal and Adivasi Day each year on a date closest to August 9, aligning with the International Indigenous Day. The observance follows or adapts the Order of Worship prepared by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).This year, the theme was:“Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self-Determination: A Pathway for Food Security and Sovereignty.”
All 16 Auxiliaries and the Translation Centre in Shillong observed the day in their respective offices. At the Central Office in Bangalore, staff joined with the Karnataka Auxiliary for a special service at the BSI William Carey Centre, Hall Road. The guest speaker was Rev. Dr. Prof. Lalfakawma Ralte, faculty at the United Theological College. Rev. Dr. Ralte delivered a powerful message highlighting how geopolitics and the greed of capitalist industrialists threaten the self-determination, food security, and sovereignty of indigenous peoples in India. He cited examples such as the Vedanta Group’s attempt to mine bauxite from the sacred Niyamgiri Hills in Odisha, land belonging to the Khond Tribe, and also spoke on the ongoing geopolitical crises in Northeast India, which endanger the natural habitat and traditional agricultural systems of local tribes. These realities, he emphasized, strip indigenous communities of their ecosystems and food sustainability within their own territories.
Drawing from the parable of The Great Banquet (Luke 14:15–24) and the biblical vision of justice, peace, and dignity in Micah 4:4, Rev. Dr. Ralte urged the need to uphold justice for indigenous peoples worldwide. The worship service concluded with a Tea Fellowship, where participants continued meaningful conversations on indigenous rights and dignity.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
The Bible Society of India observed International Youth Day on August 12, 2025, with the theme: “Rooted in the Word, Rising in Purpose: Navigating the Digital World.”
This annual celebration is observed across all BSI Auxiliaries and the Central Office. It holds special significance in India, where more than 1.2 billion people are between the ages of 15 and 25. Young people are key drivers of innovation, climate action, and social transformation. International Youth Day provides an opportunity to encourage youth participation in decision-making and community leadership. We are thankful to the Odisha Auxiliary for preparing a very meaningful Order of Worship for the day.
BOMBAY AUXILIARY NEW BRANCH
Bible Sundays was observed in Kodoli KCC Church and Kodoli CNI Church and on August 17, 2025 Kodoli branch was formed. It was indeed a joyful time for the Bombay Auxiliary to have yet another new Auxiliary Branch for the Bible cause. We thank the pastor of Kodoli KCC Church, Rev. Ranbise and the pastorate committee of KCC Church and the pastor of CNI Kodoli Church Rev. Ashutosh Awale and pastorate committee of the church for their support and renewed support for the Bible Society of India.
WILLIAM CAREY & INDIAN CHRISTIAN WITNESS DAY
On August 19, 2025, the Bible Society of India observed William Carey & Indian Christian Witness Day as virtual Combined Prayer Fellowship by the whole staff across 17 Auxiliaries and Central Office in Bangalore through Zoom platform. We are thankful to have Rev. Dr. Prof. C. I. David Joy, Principal of KUTS as our Guest Speaker. He is an active Auxiliary committee member of the Kerala Auxiliary and member of the editorial board of the newsletter of the BSI Kerala Auxiliary. He delivered a very thought provoking message for the BSI ministry. We are thankful to the Karnataka Auxiliary for preparing a very meaningful Order of Worship to follow.