Pastor William Devlin of Infinity Bible Church in the South Bronx led a humanitarian effort to deliver 23 tons of rice to Christians sheltering in Gaza. Partnering with Samaritan’s Purse, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Hospitallers, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Devlin successfully transported aid despite the dangers posed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Christians Seeking Refuge in Churches
Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, over 225 Christian families have been taking shelter in churches, including Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Porphyria Greek Orthodox Church. The war has made access to necessities increasingly tricky. Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken during the attack.
Funding and Logistical Challenges
The Order of St. John of Jerusalem Hospitallers provided financial support for the rice and transportation, amounting to approximately $35,000. The rice, sourced from Thailand, was shipped to Ashdod, Israel. However, Devlin faced difficulties finding an organization willing to facilitate the delivery into Gaza, as many warned that aid shipments often get looted by Hamas or black-market gangs.
Overcoming ‘Mission Impossible’ Obstacles
Devlin sought help from over 30 faith-based nonprofits but was repeatedly told delivering aid to Gaza was impossible. Many cited concerns over the war zone’s instability and the risk of stolen rice. However, Samaritan’s Purse, which already had a presence in Gaza, worked with the IDF and the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) to secure safe passage for the aid.
Successful Delivery Despite Doubts
The rice arrived in Ashdod on November 11, 2024, and was safely transported to the two churches in Gaza. Despite skepticism from multiple organizations, Devlin credited the successful mission to divine intervention. “It was really a God thing,” he said, emphasizing that the rice reached its intended recipients untouched.
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American pastor helps deliver 23 tons of rice to Christians in Gaza, a task deemed ‘impossible’
Photo by Pierre Bamin on Unsplash
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