Dear parents,
Writing this in advance of the Year 10 Melbourne Trip, today is Red Wednesday, in commemoration of persecuted Christians throughout the world. Red is for martyrdom, a very real threat to thousands of our brothers and sisters across the globe. According to the Persecuted and Forgotten? report, produced by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), religiously motivated harassment and persecution continues to increase.
Red Wednesday 2024 is spotlighting on the dire situation of Christians in the Holy Land. ACN International Projects director, Marco Mencaglia, spells out the reality: "In the land where Jesus Christ was born and lived, there is today a real danger that the Christian presence will disappear. The few Christians who remain with this crisis are in an environment of absolute distrust in the future; it is a critical moment." Let us join in prayer for persecuted Christians in the Holy Land and elsewhere.
Lord Jesus Christ,
The Holy Land is once again struck by violence, hatred, and death.
Lord, look with mercy upon the land that was your earthly home.
Receive the deceased into your presence.
Comfort those who mourn, are wounded, or forced to flee.
Be close to all who are full of fear and despair.
You are our peace and the light of the nations, put an end to the spiral of terror and suffering in the Holy Land and in the whole Middle East!
Let peace and justice flourish at the holy sites.
You are our refuge. Let the people be safe in your Love.
Have mercy on us and on our time. Amen.
Thank you for your support.
Warm regards,
Ian Smith
Principal
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