For many years, Joseph* lived a life far removed from the Church, feeling disconnected from God and indifferent to his family’s persistent encouragement to embrace the Christian faith. Despite their continuous efforts, Joseph remained unresponsive, uninterested in exploring a closer relationship with Christ. That was until his sister invited him to a workshop at the Arab Israeli Bible Society (AIBS). This workshop, focused on humanity and pain during a season of war, sparked a curiosity in Joseph that led him to attend, seeking to understand how Christians perceive the current conflicts.

The session delved deeply into the teachings of the Bible, exploring the human experience of pain and suffering in the context of war. Joseph found himself profoundly moved by the discussions and the compassionate interactions among the participants.

A pivotal moment came when the workshop leader challenged the attendees to face the wall, much like King Hezekiah did, and to pray and lament before God for fifteen minutes, as recounted in Isaiah 38:1-8. This exercise was more than a simple prayer; it was an invitation to confront one’s innermost fears, pain, and doubts, and to lay them before God. Joseph accepted the challenge. As he stood facing the wall, he began to lament and pour out his heart to God.

“These fifteen minutes turned my life around; I encountered Christ,” Joseph shared.

In that brief yet intense period, he experienced a profound sense of God’s mercy, and love. And for the first time, he understood the goodness of God in a deeply personal way. Following the workshop, Joseph felt compelled to stay connected with the AIBS community. He volunteered to help with various chores at their storage facility. The experience was a blessing, providing him with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Eager to grow in his newfound faith, Joseph asked for literature to help him mature in his faith. The AIBS staff provided him with resources that deepened his understanding of the Bible and strengthened his relationship with God.

Joseph also participated in the Trauma Healing sessions offered by AIBS for four consecutive weeks. During these sessions, he was an active and engaged member, eager to learn and support others on their healing journeys. His enthusiasm and commitment were evident to everyone around him, and he quickly became a valued part of their community. Joseph’s transformation did not go unnoticed by his family. His sister shared that he is now more active in the church and continues to follow Jesus with a sincere and open heart.

The Arab Israeli Bible Society faithfully serves the Christian community in Israel by making the word of God accessible. Their Trauma Healing sessions, centred on understanding forgiveness and building reconciliation, are done in partnership with local churches and have been highly requested. Among their many initiatives are distributing Bibles to schools, and developing family magazines that give voice to the suffering and point to Christ as their hope.

In this time of war, where the streets are marked by fear, frustration and despair, AIBS is working hard to move in a counter-cultural direction — bringing God’s love, forgiveness and healing to the forefront and Christ, the Prince of Peace, to the centre of people’s hearts. If you would like to give to this ministry and support Christians in need, please visit biblesociety.org.au/sow.

*Name changed to protect identity.