Dear Fellow Salvationists,

Once more those lands so familiar to us through the pages of the Scriptures are torn by strife and bloodshed.

Every hour we are hearing the words 'Israel' and 'Palestine' in the news bulletins, but instead of being associated with blessing and God's immeasurable love they are now again symbols of hatred and warfare. The nations of the world have spoken through the United Nations Organisation, but are being ignored.

Innocent ones are suffering. Non-combatants are paying a high price. Children lie dead and maimed.

Neither of the protagonists has clean hands.

Let the Salvationists of the world re-double their intensity in prayer for this situation, for the people, for the families, for the leaders to be restrained and wise, for a return to peace, for future tranquil co-existence, for the success of diplomacy.

Let the next four weeks be filled with focused prayer in our gatherings for these pressing needs.

May God grant peace, despite the long and deeply rooted antipathies in this region of the world.

I call upon you in the sacred name of Jesus, Prince of Peace.

Thank you for your fidelity in intercessory prayer.

Yours in Christ,

Shaw Clifton
General

International Headquarters, London, 11 January 2009