Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission releases prayer guide, establishes fund amidst Israel-Hamas war

The Texas Baptists Christian Life Commission released a seven-point prayer guide and launched a new giving fund to support humanitarian aid and crisis relief efforts related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

On Oct. 7, Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack against Israel. Approximately 4,400 lives have been claimed in the attack and subsequent fighting.

The prayer guide, available for download in English and Spanish from the Christian Life Commission website, includes prayer points for peace and “a permanent resolution to the cycle of violence” as well as the safety of civilians, hostages and “those working towards their release.”

Israeli officials estimate at least 199 individuals were taken hostage during the attack.

The prayer guide notes the ongoing ministry of TBM, the disaster relief ministry of Texas Baptists, and its volunteers currently deployed in “extreme conditions.”

TBM volunteers headed to Israel the day after the attack to provide specialized meals to Israelis and Palestinians impacted by the violence. The feeding unit has provided thousands of meals each day since its arrival.

The prayer guide also notes that Texas Baptists chaplains who serve in the armed forces have “been deployed to the region” of the conflict. Due to the sensitive nature of their work and ministry, the exact location of military chaplains is often unavailable.

According to Todd Combee, director of Chaplaincy Relations, more than 500 BGCT-endorsed chaplains actively serve to provide pastoral care in specialized settings.

The prayer guide closes with a call for Micah 6:8 to “permeate the region” as believers do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God amid the violence.

Fund established to support TBM, BWAid relief efforts

Irene Gallegos, director of Hunger and Care Ministries, shared that gifts to the newly established Texas Baptists Hunger Offering “Israel-Hamas War Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Relief” fund will go to support humanitarian aid and crisis relief efforts, including TBM’s feeding ministry and BWAid projects.

“We rejoice in the generous support of Texas Baptist churches and individuals who give with such deep compassion in times of need,” Gallegos said.

A past giving opportunity through the Hunger Offering related to the unfolding war in Ukraine resulted in more than $130,000 given to support relief efforts at the outset of that crisis.

Because churches faithfully give to the Texas Baptists Cooperative Program and that giving provides administrative support in the midst of crises, 100% of gifts given to the new Hunger Offering fund will go directly to feeding the hungry and meeting other basic human needs.

Katie Frugé, director of the Center for Cultural Engagement and the Christian Life Commission, expressed her appreciation for the collaborative spirit of Baptists in Texas and beyond.

“We are at our best when we join together to share Christ and show love,” she said.

“While we pray without ceasing in this incredibly difficult time, I am beyond thankful for both our ministry partners serving God's precious children and Texas Baptist churches who generously support their crucial work.”

The prayer guide and giving fund are available online at texasclc.org.

“Through supporting the Hunger Offering, Texas Baptist churches collectively work together to ensure that in crisis moments, we are equipped and ready to respond as the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Frugé.