A Grandmother's Dream
She's a mother, a grandmother, a woman of prayer. Born in Palestine, Insaf Zarafili has lived most of her life in the occupied territories of the West Bank. She is the matriarch of the family who live in the Anglican church compound in the city of Nablus. She is a respected member of both the Orthodox and Anglican congregations in Nablus.
Insaf has seen the creation of the state of Israel and lived through the Intifadas. She has experienced her house being invaded by both Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters. She has raised her family in war and peace. She gets on with life; working, shopping, cooking, cleaning, caring, comforting. Praying that things will improve for those she loves.
Most people are not aware that the Christians of the Middle-East are among the most influential and courageous peacemakers. A tiny minority, they live alongside warring factions, reaching out with love and prayers. Among these peacemakers are many Anglicans who seek to walk in Christ's footsteps.
Every Good Friday the Anglican Church prays for the church in Jerusalem and the Middle-East, the part of the world into which Jesus was born. Each year ABM raises support for the Anglican Church there through the Good Friday Gift which is used to support people like Insaf and her family through church-run hospitals, schools and pastoral care. She is not a terrorist. She is neither Jew nor Muslim. She is one of the 'Living Stones' of the Land of the Holy One. An Arab Christian, caught in a conflict that has raged for most of her life.
This Good Friday please pray for Insaf and all the people of Israel and the Palestinian Territories.