God Is Present In Our Pain

Over the spring and summer of 2025, the Galilee Team lost several family members. Among them was Um William, the mother of Andera, sister of Pastor Hanna, and grandmother of Majd. Her husband, Abu William, had gone before her only a few months before. And Abu Rami, father of our team member Ekhlas, and of our partner, Ziad Farraj, pastor of the church in Tur’an, passed away in late July. The Christian community in Galilee is small, and the loss of these stalwart elders was felt profoundly across the region.

Ekhlas, who serves in Cana, sent these reflections in the midst of that difficult time for her and her family.

My Father’s Final Days – A Life of Worship Until the End

"This past month has been one of the hardest seasons of our lives, yet also one of the most beautiful demonstrations of God’s presence.

My father spent his last days in the hospital, often in deep pain. Yet even in suffering, God’s presence was near, to him and to us. He prayed for us constantly, spoke blessings over our lives, and never complained. His room was filled with worship, sometimes his own voice, sometimes ours when he was too weak. He asked for songs and verses, always keeping his heart set on the Lord.

When pastors visited, he encouraged them, prayed for them, and reminded them of God’s faithfulness. He uplifted his grandchildren and all who came. Until his last breath, he remained a blessing. When he went to be with the Lord, it felt like heaven was celebrating; he was ready and at peace."

Ibrahim’s Ministry – God Restores a Marriage

"At the same time, my husband, Ibrahim, was intensively counseling a couple whose marriage was near collapse. Though it kept him from the hospital more than he wished, we knew God had placed him there. Through hours of prayer and guidance, God healed their marriage, and today they are attending church and walking toward restoration."

Hanna’s Injury – Pain, Memories, and New Doors for Ministry

"Meanwhile, our son Hanna injured his leg during a discipleship training school. Surgery was scheduled for August 8th. My father passed away just before, allowing Hanna to attend the funeral and serve with us.

When Hanna finally had surgery, he had to miss our youth conference, which took place outside of Bethlehem, so Ibrahim served there while I stayed at the hospital with our son. Returning to the hospital stirred painful memories of my father, yet God opened a new door: we shared a room with a non-Christian family, and we were able to share the good news of Christ’s love with them.

Through it all, we have seen God’s hand, comforting us in grief, restoring the broken, and opening doors for the Gospel. Even in the valley, God has been near. At my father’s bedside, in counseling sessions, and in hospital wards, He is turning hardship into testimony."

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God is indeed in the midst of our brothers and sisters in Galilee. As He comforts them through grief and they share His words of life and love in their community, His work of bringing truth, peace, and reconciliation is being accomplished.