Dear Brothers and Sisters,
When Jesus hung on that cross, dying for our sins, he was confident of his resurrection, knowing it would bring new life for us although he was currently experiencing a ‘slow death.’ During these very difficult economic times individuals, families, companies and non-profit organizations are feeling the effects of a slow – or, for some, maybe not so slow-financial death. The resurrection of Jesus is intended to bring us new life and the economic stimulus is ‘intended’ to bring new life to the economy.
It is true that we, like many others, are suffering a ‘slow death’, and need an economic stimulus, but with your help we can be resurrected to continue the work of supporting our sisters and brothers in the Holy Land.
Despite difficult times, God always blesses us when we share our resources, no matter how large or small, with others. This kind of ‘sacrificial giving’ is what touches our Lord’s heart, and stimulates more than just the economy. In fact, it is the same principle which was applied with the loaves and fishes. The need was great, the resources were very little and at the end, scraps were gathered. How could scraps remain when there was so little to begin with?
It is imperative that we remember our brothers and sisters in need, and in so doing we give to the Lord. Our sacrificial offering to the Lord is never in vain.
“Assuredly I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Luke 25:40)
Our Christian brothers and sisters are, by default, enduring daily personal sacrifices. Employment is low, jobs are scarce, and down from 18%, only 2% of the Christian population remains in the Holy Land. What is bad for us is worse for them, and our little can go a long way to help.
Your support is urgent. Your sacrificial contribution on behalf of the Christians of the Holy Land will be significant during this Easter season, as they continue to hold on to their faith and find signs of hope, especially during these times of rebuilding following the war in Gaza. They too are seeking a resurrection.
Last year, during his visit, His Beatitude Patriarch Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, entreated us to ‘not leave them
Please consider making a donation in support of HCEF on behalf of the living stones. HCEF’s financial management is strong and we continue to maintain the good work and programs developed on behalf of the living stones. HCEF is indeed worthy of your trust, and I ask for your prayers for the Christians of the Holy Land and for your financial partnership. Won’t you help in this season of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior? Write a check today in support of the living stones of our faith. Being confident that charity never fails and comes with its own reward.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38
Thank you for receiving this appeal with an open mind and heart and for doing your best in sharing your resources. Please visit our new website at www.hcef.org to learn more about HCEF!
Our prayer for you is that your resurrection season and the rest of this year will be filled with charitable acts of kindness, one toward another.
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God bless you and your loved ones! In Christ,
Rateb Y. Rabie, KCHS |
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With your support of $100.00 or more, you will receive, with my warmest “thank you,” your copy of “Faithful Witness on Reconciliation and Peace in the Holy Land” by Patriarch Michel Sabbah. This book, a collection of the Patriarch’s essential writings and pronouncements, is a publication of HCEF, edited by Fr. Drew Christiansen, S.J. and Saliba Sarsar, Ph.D. with the Foreword by Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, published by New City Press or a beautiful hand carved olive wood cross from Bethlehem. 
