Last week I listened to four family members of the captives held in the tunnels of Gaza by Hamas. Their humanity, love, and courage touched me deeply within. I listened to their awful story of Hamas’ attack, brutal slaughter of men, women, children and babies, kidnapping their parents, and the dystopian scenes of body parts scattered about. Amazingly, there was not a single vindictive word spoken. Just a plea for the return of their families. To speak without hatred after such evil is evidence that the evil of Hamas will be crushed.

This war, begun by Hamas, could be ended by releasing the victims they kidnapped in their underwear, barefoot, and brutalized.

When someone asked how could we help? Their jointly replied, “Shout it out loud! Bring them home!” That is what I am doing today. Bring these captives home, now!

Daily, our Woodland Church family has pledged to pray for the release of the captives. Perhaps this photo of these sons and daughters will help you as you pray. We pray for the end of the war, the hostilities, and for lasting peace in Gaza and Israel.

Peace!