Standing with Karak in prayer

I am writing to you from Jordan, where I have spent this week with our partners and friends. On Friday, news reached us that gunmen had opened fire at a Greek Orthodox church in the village of Hamoud, in Karak, while families were gathered for a funeral. People who had come to mourn a loved one were killed, and many more were wounded, some of them seriously.

Being here as this news broke has brought it very close. Across Jordan there is shock and deep grief. His Majesty King Abdullah has condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, has visited the wounded in hospital, and has spoken of the unity of all Jordanians, Muslim and Christian alike. Karak has a long and proud tradition of neighbours of different faiths living side by side, and I have been moved by how many people here have reached out in sorrow and solidarity with the Christian community.

I ask you to join me in prayer:

• For the families who have lost loved ones, that they would know the comfort and nearness of God in their grief. 

• For the injured, for their healing, and for the medical teams caring for them.

• For the church in Hamoud and Christians across Karak, that fear would not have the last word.

• For Jordan, that this attack would only strengthen the bonds between its people.

The Psalmist reminds us that "the Lord is near to the brokenhearted" (Psalm 34:18). That promise feels very real to me this weekend.

This attack is also a sober reminder that, in many parts of the world, gathering to worship, or simply to bury the dead, can carry real risk for Christians. The writer of Hebrews calls us to "remember those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body" (Hebrews 13:3). As we hold Karak in our hearts, may we also renew our commitment to pray faithfully for our brothers and sisters who face persecution around the world, in the Middle East and far beyond, and to stand with them in every way we can.

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer and your partnership with us. It means a great deal to the communities we serve to know they are not forgotten.

Helen, Executive Director, Mosaic Middle East