Showing Mercy in Jerusalem this Good Friday
We are sharing a letter from the Rev. Cn. Daryl Fenton the director of CMJ Israel. Christ Church in Jerusalem, is the first Protestant church in the Middle East, and the oldest Anglican church in Jerusalem
Brothers & Sisters,
Each year, during or on Good Friday, churches and congregations around the world take up offerings for the work of Christ Church in Jerusalem. The offerings we receive underwrite the ministry of our Mercy Fund, which is used by Christ Church throughout the year to relieve suffering of many kinds.
Here in Jerusalem, as around the globe, the news is filled with disease [Coronavirus] and death. Stockbrokers, doctors, and governments are all in retreat before its silent, invisible advance. Israelis, like Americans, are fearful and anxious, anticipating the worst. The word coronavirus is acquiring an ominous meaning, much like the pestilence referred to more than forty times by the ancient prophets in the scriptures.
It was pestilence - two plagues - that swept through Rome in the 2nd and 3rd centuries that motivated Christians to serve each other and their neighbors rather than flee the cities. All were courageous; some died. Each plague lasted fifteen years. By the time they were finished, Rome had become Christian. Their hope and loving perseverance changed the hearts and minds of an entire culture about Jesus and his Father.
Likewise, novel coronavirus gives us a great opportunity to demonstrate compassion, hope, and trust in our Messiah. This is a time to comfort. A time to help. A time to bear witness to eternal hope for those finally reckoning seriously with their mortality.
On March 13th, a season of national quarantine began in Israel. Thousands are already losing their jobs. From past experience in wartime, we know people on the margins will begin coming to CMJ for help. Our generous spirit is well known, and the work of the Mercy Fund is part of our witness.
We are planning now to meet the wave of need rolling toward us. Our guesthouse will be empty of pilgrims - most have already departed. We began food distribution last Sunday; it is just a start. The bite of unemployment hasn’t yet been felt. Please pray for our ability to keep responding. We will do this in the name of Jesus. He will be exalted among the Jewish - and Muslim residents of this Land.
We know, of course, that many of you are beset with similar challenges as the fear and disease spread globally. At Christ Church we now meet daily to pray for our needs and yours, asking the Lord to grant us all strength for the challenges just ahead.
It is our hope, that despite your own need, like the Apostle Paul’s Macedonian disciples of Romans 15, you will be able to share with those suffering in Jerusalem. The help you send will bless those who are hungry and fearful here in Jerusalem. And it will lift the banner of hope which is the coat of arms of the Kingdom of the Messiah.
We are especially grateful to all of you who give year after year and welcome all who will join us this year.
Faithfully in Messiah Jesus,
The Rev. Cn. Daryl Fenton, Director of CMJ Israel
This year the need for our prayers and support is greater than ever, as Christ Church is helping meet extensive needs and sharing the Messiah’s love among their Jewish, Muslim and Christian neighbors facing the coronavirus pandemic.
Normally local parishes and diocese would collect the Good Friday offering, but that is simply too complicated a process in this pandemic season. Contributions can be sent by check payable to CMJ USA with “Christ Church- Jerusalem Fund” on the memo line.
Mail to:
CMJ USA
PO Box 443
Ambridge, PA 15003