Hope amid the devastation 

Thousands of Gazans and other refugees in the region received support in 2025 from a charity headed by the former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church

The details were shared in the annual report of Christian Mission to Gaza (CM2G), which was founded by the Revd Dr Hanna Massad. Dr Massad pastored Gaza Baptist Church for 12 years, later forming Christian Mission to Gaza to address the physical and spiritual needs of Christian and Muslim families both there, and beyond. 

The report reveals how the charity has become a lifeline, bringing Christ’s love in action to those enduring the brutal conditions of the two-year war and its aftermath across the Middle East.

‘The past year has continued to be marked by profound suffering and loss,’ wrote Dr Massad in the introduction to the report. ‘As followers of Jesus, we are called to be bearers of hope and agents of reconciliation. 

‘Now two years into the war, families across the region are still enduring displacement, trauma, and instability. Our hearts remain especially burdened for the innocent lives lost, for children growing up amid violence, and for families who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. 

‘Among the most vulnerable are members of the Christian community in Gaza, many of whom sought refuge within church walls, clinging to their faith amid devastation and fear.’

He added, ‘As followers of Jesus, we are called to be bearers of hope and agents of reconciliation.

‘Our mission remains clear: to serve those in need without distinction, to address both immediate suffering and long-term healing, and to reflect the love of Christ to all people.’
 
 
Practical support in Gaza

Amid widespread destruction and acute shortages of basic necessities, CMG and its partners, notably Gaza Baptist Church, have remained on the ground to provide life-saving assistance. The report detailed how this included essential aid like hot meals, bread distributions, clean drinking water, and emergency financial support for food, rent, and medical care. 

The Baptist church building has sustained severe damage to its fourth and fifth floors, Dr Massad reported, but is still standing. At present, about 46 people are using the church building, along with the surrounding church property where some tents have been set up. 

These individuals come from the wider community (the majority are Muslims) and as Christians, the charity ‘is seeking to reflect Christ’s love by welcoming and serving them.’

Furthermore the ministry’s continued work ensures the small Christian community in Gaza ‘know they are not forgotten’, the report stated.
 

Ministering to a displaced population in Egypt

The charity’s work goes beyond Gaza. For example, the war has displaced an estimated 120,000 Gazans, with many fleeing to Egypt in search of safety and medical care. In response, CMG has focused on this refugee community by partnering with Evangelical Heliopolis Church in Cairo, the report shared.

Through this partnership, hundreds of refugee families have received assistance. This could have been in the form of rent, food support, or essential medical care for critically ill patients. The partnership has also provided practical items like school uniforms, supplies for children, mattresses, and winter relief. The report notes that for many, this is their first encounter with Christians. By focusing on dignity, compassion, and trauma-sensitive care, the ministry is ‘a powerful witness to Christ's unconditional love’. 

The impact is captured in the words of one family: ‘Even though we are separated, we are very grateful to you; you continue to stand by us and help us in our time of need. We are no longer separated; we are one in Jesus, through your love and your gift.’
 

Outreach in Jordan and the West Bank

CMG's support also aids vulnerable communities elsewhere in the region. The charity assists approximately 700 Iraqi Christian refugee families in Jordan, primarily through quarterly food coupons redeemable at local markets, offering families dignity and choice in their food selection while supporting local businesses. 

It supports 300 families (some who are Syrian in the West Bank, some are Gazan Christians in the West Bank, and some Christians in Gaza) through other forms of assistance.

CMG also addresses long-term healing, running free twice-weekly medical clinics and trauma counselling sessions in partnership with specialists. In the West Bank, support is extended to 20 young widows, with one ministry providing emotional support and connection, while another focuses on empowering youth from Gaza and the West Bank through biblical education and spiritual development.

Dr Massad added that the charity remains committed to serving ‘the least of these’, standing alongside the suffering and trusting God to work even in the darkest moments.’
 

For more about the charity, visit its website: cm2g.org