Caritas Jerusalem, West Bank

Noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, are the leading cause of death in Palestine and represent a major social and economic burden. National statistics tell us that nearly one-fifth of Palestinians over 18 are affected by at least one chronic disease (mainly diabetes type 2 or hypertension).

Our partner, Caritas Jerusalem, is responding to this by providing vital medical and healthcare services for patients with non-communicable diseases – especially hypertension and Type 2 diabetes – in a remote village called Taybeh in the central West Bank. It is the only exclusively Christian village in the West Bank and the people who live there do not have easy access to health and medical services.

Many government health centres in the West Bank suffer from extreme shortages of medicines. They also do not have the capacity to provide important health and nutrition education, or the close follow-up care that is needed to stabilise patients with chronic diseases.

Through its health centre in Taybeh, Caritas Jerusalem is working to diagnose, treat and monitor the chronic conditions of around 400 patients. The staff also provide comprehensive training on how to manage these conditions and lead healthier lifestyles.

Bible reading

‘Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.’

Psalm 103: 1-6

Thought

This psalm paints a beautiful picture of God as Healer and Redeemer. He renews our sinful hearts and restores our desire for love, compassion and justice. As God works in the hearts of individuals, there is a ripple effect as these individuals begin to make changes in the world around them, bringing about ‘righteousness and justice for all the oppressed’.

Ask yourself: Motivated by their love for Christ, Caritas is working to transform the lives of marginalised people in the West Bank by responding to urgent physical needs. What needs do you see around you – and are there any ways you could help change things for the better?

Prayer

Healing God,

We lift before you the work that Caritas Jerusalem is doing in the central West Bank. We thank you for their vision of a society that enjoys love, peace, justice and prosperity – and we pray that this would be true in this challenging region.

We pray for the many people around Ramallah living with chronic diseases. As they receive the healthcare they need, may they find renewed joy, hope and purpose in their lives.

Open our eyes to the many needs in our own communities. Renew our hearts and, as you change us from within, may we be agents of change - and together transform the world for your glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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