12th August, 2006

DAVID ADAMS speaks to Harry Tees, general secretary of the United Christian Council in Israel about the current crisis in the Middle East...

What is the United Christian Council in Israel?
"The United Christian Council in Israel (UCCI) was founded in 1956 as an umbrella organization for evangelical churches and Christian organizations operating in Israel. Today, the UCCI is comprised of thirty local churches and para-church organizations. Our vision is to join together in issues of common concern and empower our member organizations to be an even brighter light in our communities. Our member organizations operate in various ministries including education and biblical study, hospital and humanitarian services, publications and literature, and work among children."

Harry Tees, general secretary of the United Christian Council in Israel.   "I believe that the purpose of the Church should be to walk in the opposite spirit. As the world is consumed with war among the kingdoms of this world, we should be concentrated on love, hope and the kingdom of God. As ambassadors of Christ, we should be proactive in times of strife to invite people into relationship with Jesus."

What has been the response of churches in Israel to the conflict taking place in the Middle East?
"The response of the local churches has been to care for their members and to minister in their communities. In a time of uncertainty and fear, the church has provided a sense of security and peace. They have responded in prayer both at home as well as working to mobilize prayer in the body of Christ world-wide. It has not been easy for the communities, especially for families with children."

What do you think the role of churches and Christians should be in such a situation?
"The role of pastors is to care for their flock in order that those in the church can care for the people around them. The Church should be a shining light to all. I believe that the purpose of the Church should be to walk in the opposite spirit. As the world is consumed with war among the kingdoms of this world, we should be concentrated on love, hope and the kingdom of God. As ambassadors of Christ, we should be proactive in times of strife to invite people into relationship with Jesus.

Does the UCCI have a position with regard to the action being undertaken by Israel?
"We as the UCCI have no official political position. We leave politics to the politicians. Naturally different member organizations have differing political opinions. The position of the UCCI is described clearly in the following paragraph taken from the book UCCI 50 Years Anniversary: 'The UCCI, as an organization, has not chosen one or the other ideology and leaves it up to its members to have their own persuasions. What binds us together is not an ideology, but our belief in Jesus as the Messiah for all, and as such, to be a witness to all. Translated into the particular situation of the Arab-Israel conflict, we desire to be God’s witness to both sons of Abraham - to Isaac and his descendent and to Ishmael and his descendent alike'."

What is the atmosphere like in Israel at the moment?
"Israel is comprised of different regions that are affected differently. The areas most heavily affected by the rockets are in the Galilee north of Haifa, Nazareth and Tiberius. People there are living in an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. South of this line people are also affected since most of the population has family members who have been called to fight in the war. The atmosphere here is tense to say the least."

Have you been in contact with church leaders in Lebanon? What are they telling you?
" I personally have good relationships with those in ministry positions in Lebanon and we try to assist them by raising aid and mobilizing prayer to help them in a critical time in their ministry. We also discussed sending teams from outside of Lebanon to help the churches. But for now, this is counter-productive given the logistical challenges. We therefore encourage people to give financial aid instead."

What will this conflict mean in the longer term for Christians in the affected nations?
"Personally I believe that we are on the verge of an era of peace between Israel and Lebanon. No one wants to see another a repetition of what we are seeing now. Yes, there will be radical elements in the different sectors of society but I pray and believe that reason will prevail. I also dare to hope and pray that a sustainable peace agreement will be established in the near future. We have seen in the past that revival has come in times of peace. If indeed peace comes to the region, the churches will experience this revival.

While the world's attention has been focused on what's been happening in Lebanon, what has been going on in Gaza and the West Bank?
"The West Bank has been relatively quiet. However, the situation in Gaza is still very serious. The abduction of a soldier and constant missile attacks by Gaza militants have provoked Israel into action. The people there are facing a humanitarian crisis. Electricity is unavailable to sporadic at best, this means; no cooling, no storing whatever food is left, and no communication. Other social services have also broken down e.g. water and sewage. There have been many deaths, militants as well as innocents. There, the end is not yet in sight."

As the conflict continues through August, what do you see as the greatest threat for the future?
"I am sure you refer to intervention by Iran or even Syria's involvement. Personally I don't believe that Iran will intervene even though they are desperate to divert attention from their nuclear program due to pressure from the international community. They would rather assist Hezbollah in their fight than to join the fight themselves. Syria also has no desire for direct involvement due to the very delicate balance of power in their government. Getting involved might cause a tipping point in which the Syrian government would fall. This would mean a lot of uncertainty for the Middle East in general which is in no one’s interest."

Do you see an end to the fighting in sight?
"Fighting on the current scale will not last a long time in Lebanon. I am sure that we will soon see a ceasefire. But the political process to come to lasting peace agreement may take years."

Have you heard any stories of how God has been able to bring good out of the situation as yet?
"Here is an email from a friend in Lebanon: “They are bombing all around us. Very close...We need to find a way to leave to a safer place. We have one car with so many people to put in... pray that we find someone to help with transportation...The bridge next to our house is destroyed.”

      Then three days later: “A note to say we are in a safe area with my parents, all of us. A miracle happened with transport. Someone that I know from a different village was coming to see the damage in our village I saw his van from our balcony I called him and he accepted to take us. Thanks for praying...My mom just told me please continue to pray for Lebanon, she was in tears when I told her how many people are praying.”
      And another story from Nazareth: "Yesterday, we all were at home around 4.30 pm.  A missile fell directly behind our house (about 50 meters), two innocent boys (three and seven years old) were killed and 16 people injured.  And nothing happened to our house except that my two daughters had to pass again through the whole fear and scare but this time it was so close to us.  We left our house running somewhere we didn’t know where, and finally we stopped at my mother-in-law (who is a believer) - being together gives us comfort and assurance.  We prayed and we had a safe night.  Hallelujah."

Have churches from outside the Middle East been in contact with you during the crisis?
" Yes, it is very heart warming to read the encouraging email sent to us by those who pray and are concerned for us. I have sent updates to our ministry supporters and friends asking them for prayer in specific crisis areas. I also have joined in prayer support for others like the Lebanese pastor and his family that I mentioned above."

What are you praying for with regard to the situation?
"We are praying that this conflict will come to a quick resolve. Many people in these times ask life's most important questions: What am I here for? Where I am going after I die? Why do we suffer all of this? God has answers for all these questions. He is waiting to answer, they only need to turn their face to him. We have seen after conflicts like this that people are more open than ever before to a personal relationship with God. I pray that as believers we can introduce them to the one who is the answer."

Is there anything Christians outside of the Middle East can do to help?
"Of course the answer is yes. The most important role is prayer. Our fight is not against flesh and blood. The only one who can bring peace to the land is the Prince of Peace himself. Another important role for Christians outside the Middle East is to get involved in long-term partnerships with evangelical groups here. We need to be supported and encouraged so that we can support and encourage. We cannot give what we have not received ourselves."

~ www.ucci.net