by Natalie Wisely, World Vision
Located in the southwest hills of Bethlehem, Tent of Nations is a family run farm focused on bringing people of various cultures together to build bridges for understanding, reconciliation, and peace.
Though their land is under constant threat of confiscation by the Israeli military, the Nassar family has adopted the slogan “We Refuse to be Enemies” to define their ministry.
This steadfast courage is never more poignant than when it is directly faced with opposition.
On Monday, May 19, 2014, at 8:00am more than 1,500 of their apricot and apple trees were uprooted and grape plants were smashed and destroyed by the Israeli military. These trees were planted by the Nassar family on their land 10 years ago and are some of the most fruitful the family owns.
Two weeks prior, on May 5, military authorities placed a sign declaring the trees were planted on “State Land.” The Nassars immediately filed an appeal to clarify the land was not state land and that the trees belonged to the family. The Nassar family has spent years re-registering their land with the state to prove their legitimate ownership and clarified in the appeal that this process is underway. According to Israeli law, once an appeal is filed, no demolition or evacuation is allowed until the final verdict has been decided. Despite the fact the Nassars have followed all laws, their property has been destroyed. They are taking the case to court and seeking compensation for the trees that were illegally destroyed.
Despite this tragedy, Daoud Nassar’s response is, “We cannot overcome evil with more evil. We cannot overcome hatred with more hatred. We must do good. We must live the Jesus way.”
Get further updates on this story and learn more about Tent of Nations at: http://www.tentofnations.org/
Also learn what action steps you can take to support Tent of Nations at Friends of Tent of Nations North America: http://www.fotonna.org/
We invite you to pray with us…
Father,
You said: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV) But we confess that we are often troubled and fearful when we receive news of wrongdoing being done. Knowing our own weaknesses, we ask for your strength and courage for our brothers and sisters, the Nassars.
We ask for your peace for the Nassars as they seek to follow Your call to show love to all people.
We ask for You to protect their hearts from becoming hardened.
We ask for wisdom for their lawyer as they bring this destruction of property before the court.
We pray that Daoud and his family’s material, emotional, and spiritual needs will be met.
We ask that You would transform this tragic circumstance and use it as an opportunity to build understanding and reconciliation.
We pray for an end to this conflict, and abundant life for all people of the Holy Land; Christian, Jew, and Muslim.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.