#12. Fire on Three Sides — a Palestinian Pastor Reflects on the Lord’s Faithfulness in the midst of Persecution

Pastor Hanna Massad voices a perspective seldom heard in America; he is both an evangelical Christian and someone who calls Gaza home. Pastor Hanna shares about Jesus’ faithfulness amid three distinct sources of persecution and about the Christian Mission to Gaza. The ministry serves Christians and Muslims in Gaza as well as those in need, Iraqi refugees and Syrian refugees in Jordan. What You'll Learn:How and why, despite very real danger, Pastor Hanna loves those who persecute him About three sources of persecution for Christians in Gaza The value of America Christians and churches being fellow laborers in ministryAbout the Guest: Dr. Hanna Massad served for 12 years as the pastor of the Gaza Baptist Church — the only evangelical, Protestant church in Gaza.Despite increasing persecution, the kidnapping and murder of his friend and him being compelled to evacuate—Pastor Hanna’s heart is still in Gaza. He founded Christian Mission to Gaza (CMG) which serves Muslims and Christian in Gaza where basic necessities, like clean water, are scarce. In Jordan, the CMG team mainly serves Iraqi refugees. With CMG, the Iraqi families are predominately Christians who fled persecution from ISIS. They are barred from legally working in the country and have suffered greatly before arriving in Jordan. So there is a critical need for spiritual, emotional as well as physical support. Pastor Hanna is the author of the book, Pastor from Gaza. His education includes a Bachelor’s degree from Bethlehem Bible College, a Master of Divinity degree and a PhD in Theology; both of his advanced degrees are from Fuller Theological Seminary.Scripture Related to Episode:Ephesians 5:8; From Darkness to LightJohn 16:33; Jesus Has Already Overcome the WorldHebrews 12:14-15; Warning Against UnforgivenessMatthew 5:43-45; Love Your EnemiesLuke 23:34; Father Forgive ThemGenesis 1:26-27; All Humanity Created in God’s Image Matthew 5-7; Sermon on the Mount John 15:4-5; Need Power of ChristJohn 11:24-26; Jesus Is the Resurrection and the LifeLinks Related to Episode:Christian Mission to GazaPastor from Gaza Show Notes:Growing Up Greek Orthodox and Pastor Hanna's Personal Testimony Faithfulness of the Lord amid PersecutionServing Iraqi and Syrian Refugees in JordanPurpose of Christian Mission to GazaShort Term Mission Trips to Jordan with Christian Missions to GazaInspiration for the Book, Pastor from GazaPersecution, Close to the HeartThe Fire of Persecution on Three Sides in GazaLove in ActionA Christian’s Best Revenge