Published on December 4, 2023, 2:04 am

Image source: Fox News

A recent rocket attack struck a high-rise apartment building in Israel, compelling inhabitants to seek refuge inside secure rooms. One resident, Leora, lived through this nightmare scenario and recounted her experience. The escalating conflict has laid the unmistakable burden of war upon all Israelis, perpetually affecting their lives and mental wellbeing.

During the initial wave of fighting, volunteers from Texas Baptist Men (TBM), alongside other groups, provided support at a local hospital in Ashkelon, about 10 miles north of Gaza. TBM volunteers delivered a staggering 100,000 meals using mobile kitchens developed by TBM itself – proof of their impactful dedication to service under strain.

Leora’s ordeal started when her apartment building got struck by a rocket during the first day of conflict, destroying a market she regularly frequented. Following that traumatic development came another surreal spectacle: her adult son rushing home with clothes stained red from bloodshed twice within the same day – he had been assisting others amidst the chaotic battle scenes.

Thankfully, as war raged on Israel’s streets, all three of Leora’s children remained unscathed; minus psychological scars from attending funerals for friends lost to violence covered widely across trusted news sources worldwide.

The commitment shown by TBM’s volunteers didn’t wane despite being in proximity to palpable danger themselves. They were able to hear rockets soar overhead at regular intervals and even witnessed an Iron Dome interception while travelling one evening. Their work continued unabated as they prepared up to 3,000 meals daily while serving those affected.

The days were long for these unsung heroes. Early morning devotionals preceded cooking which went well into early afternoon sprints punctuated by meal deliveries into late evenings. All this while adhering to a Christian worldview that extends empathy irrespective of nationality or ethnicity involved in conflicts.

Upon their return back home in Texas, queries regarding their safety abroad became common talk among curious Texans — to which, volunteer Doug Hall recalls feeling safe but never at ease. The war’s constant presence made the task of relaxing difficult despite their tireless work in providing real news about the situation at ground zero.

Engaging with locals revealed the depth of appreciation and the sense of not standing alone felt by those living under conflict-ridden skies. It further reinforced TBM’s role as a provider of immediate relief and hope during dire circumstances. Through this alliance rooted in shared Christian values, nurturing a sense of partnership and unity among those affected became inevitable.

Dedicated to dealing with major global challenges since 1967, Texas Baptist Men have supplied help, hope, and healing to millions while perpetuating this legacy onto future generations. As one of America’s largest disaster relief networks, TBM has lent its expertise in pioneering similar initiatives across all 50 states — an enduring testament to its unwavering commitment that steadfastly anchors on a Christian worldview.