Due to the current crisis in Israel/Palestine, words and perspectives of hope and thankfulness are needed. Recently, Frank Kantor, the Spiritual Director of the Nazareth Trust, had this to say: 

“There are days where I feel overwhelmed by the pain and trauma the ongoing war is causing to Arab and Jewish people.” But he adds, [The conflict] has forced me to reconsider my priorities in light of the end purpose of life…It has also tended to make me more aware of the suffering of others and to ask God for his compassion and mercy for all those who are suffering, both Arabs and Jews.” 

Regarding his day-to-day life parallel to the conflict, Frank describes his current state as, “Generally war-weary but well by God’s grace. There are days where I feel overwhelmed by the pain and trauma the on-going war is causing.” To center himself in his present mission Frank says that he has been repositioning himself in Christ, as well as God’s purposes for the region. 

Another way he is focusing his attention to buoy hope for himself is by not spending his time on social media and news sites that highlight the negative and sensationalist aspects of the war. In addition to this Frank says that he spends time practicing, “The discipline of prayer, meditation on God’s word, and seeking to apply this to my life on a daily basis.” 

The current war in Israel/Palestine has affected many people, Frank says that its impact on him has been both positive and negative. Elaborating further he says, “On the positive side, [the chaplaincy department has] been able to offer more intensive spiritual care to staff and patients during the war, and negatively by the despair and loss of hope it has created in the hearts and minds of people.” 

NPI and its partners are supporting Frank and his team at Nazareth financially in addition to praying and standing in solidarity. Financial contributions to the Chaplaincy team can be made here. 

The Nazareth Project is the primary US partner of the Nazareth Trust, an organization dedicated to serving the population of the Middle East and the wider world through healthcare, education, proclamation, and service. Our work and mission are rooted in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, though we are committed to serving all peoples, regardless of faith, political affiliation, or tradition. The offerings of the Trust include the Nazareth Hospital and the Nazareth Academic School of Nursing, as well as Nazareth Village and the SERVE Nazareth program, both of which allow patients, students, volunteers, pilgrims, and tourists to deepen their relationship with God and one another. Contact us today for more information on these programs, or consider donating to support our work!