Open Doors: Mexico - Letter Request

An update on those Christians in Chiapas who were expelled from their homes, from Open Doors.

"The following people were expelled by authorities: Jose Gonzalez Gonzalez, along with his wife Francisca and their seven children; Nicolas Gonzalez Perez, his wife Ernestina and their six children; Armando Morales Dircio, his wife Catarina and their 1-year old son. Read More...

We ask that you not only help us lift up these displaced families in prayer, but we also encourage you to join us in sending letters of encouragement to them. We highly encourage children to write letters, also.

Writing Guidelines:

• Please do not mention Open Doors in your letters.
• Print or write clearly, in simple language. (only write in English)
• Be sure to include the children’s names on the envelope.
• Do not say anything negative against other religions or the government.
• Share words of comfort and encouragement.
• Sign your name inside.
• Provide your name & country, not your full address. (in the letter)
• Don't send money with the letters.
• Be encouraging, keep the message brief, but include 1 - 2 Bible verses.
  

Send all letters to:

Open Doors
ATTN: Guerrero Families
PO Box 27001
Santa Ana, CA 92799"

Open Doors: Gaza (direct post)

Healthy Daughter Born to Pauline Ayyad in Gaza

Pauline Ayyad gave birth to her first daughter on Monday, February 4, at a hospital in Gaza. She named her baby girl Sama, which means “heaven” in Arabic. Sama has two older brothers: George (2) and Wisam (1). Because of her weight (4 lbs.), Sama was put in an incubator after her birth; she was released from the hospital on February 6.

This great joy is overshadowed by the death of Sama’s father, Rami Ayyad, who was found murdered this past October because of his position as manager of the Bible Society Bookshop in Gaza.

Gaza is in a state of turmoil, so giving birth under these circumstances was an especially emotional event for Pauline and her close family and friends. Thankfully, the hospital’s electricity and medical equipment were all functional, and the Caesarean-section birth progressed without any complications. Pauline and Sama are both doing fine.

Please pray:

• Praise the Lord for delivering such great joy through the birth of this precious little girl, and please pray for good health for Sama and a quick recovery for Pauline. (Psalm 100:4)
  
• Pray that Pauline experiences the deep joy and happiness of receiving this miracle out of God’s hands! Pray that Sama will be a source of great encouragement for Pauline. (Colossians 1:16)
  
• Pray that close family and friends will know how they can best support Pauline and her children as they cope with this complex situation. (Numbers 11:17)