Julia Fisher talks to Labib Madanat, Director of the Palestinian Bible Society

Julia Fisher

The irony is, Hamas is a religious organisation; Fatah is not. Hamas is an ideological organisation although, sadly, its idealism is based on radical Islamic principles with values, as is clearly evident, that do not value human life. Fatah is a secular organisation, although its members are mainly Muslims. It is less radical than Hamas; but it is suffering from years of corruption under Arafat which creamed off the best for its leaders leaving the average Palestinian living in Gaza or the West Bank disillusioned and impoverished - pawns in the political game. Hence Hamas won the last Palestinian election - the people voting for what they considered would be the party that would alleviate their suffering, provide them with jobs, health care, education, food and housing.

But look what's happened. Civil war erupted between Hamas and Fatah in Gaza recently. Now the region is worse off than ever. It's not only Alan Johnson who is being held hostage there, fearing for his life; thousands of Palestinians are in similar danger with trigger happy militia roaming the streets armed to the hilt. Life is cheap on the streets of Gaza.

That's the political and social scenario. But we are made of body, mind and spirit. So what's the spiritual reality of the current situation? Yes, the majority of Palestinians are Muslims. But even today in Gaza, there is a Christian minority. What is life like for them?

To answer this question I turned to Labib Madanat. He heads up the work of the Bible Society in the region, lives in Jerusalem, and divides his time between the West Bank and Gaza. He told me this week,

"The situation in Gaza is quiet but far from peaceful. The Christian believers are able to hold their church meetings as before. The Bible Society is functioning; active in community and relief work; the Bible shop is open as well since Monday. My prayer is that God's people in Gaza will have their eyes open to see what God wants them to do and to have the courage/humility to obey."

Julia: What does the future hold?

Labib: It is no secret that our region is witnessing a shift in the strategy of fundamental Islam. The way it is happening is by creating grassroots support for their idea first and thus gaining public legitimacy. They work towards becoming influential in certain sectors; media, education, social work...etc. Whenever they can they try to establish a virtual rule on whichever territory they can. They do not believe in present political borders; for them these are man-made borders, and even worse, colonially made. Thus you see Hizbolla in south Lebanon, the failing attempt of Fatah Al-Islam in Nahr Al- Bared refugee camp in Lebanon, Gaza, and other areas as well. The Axis of Evil for them is the West, Israel and Western-allied regimes. They have lots of ammunition to use in their strategy; in all honesty they do present a very convincing case for the masses who are tired of tyranny and corruption.

Julia: What do you believe God is doing...in other words, where is all this going?

Labib: I see Islam is coming in direct clash with secularism; fundamental Islam against fundamental secularism; in whichever form it takes especially as it happens in Arab and Muslim countries. What is God's message as Muslims are at war within and without? He is saying to us Christians, 'Tell them about My person, My Kingdom, My way, and live it out.' The talk is of 'clash' between the West and Islam. How about an alternative, 'Christ for the sake of Muslims?'

I believe it's always worth looking beyond the political scenario of a region. Gaza may appear to be collapsing into civil war; Palestinian pitched against Palestinian; or as Labib put it, 'fundamental Islam against fundamental secularism'. And as he said, for the Christians, this presents a challenge - how to live out their faith in this hostile, hate filled, fear inducing climate.

Jesus said, 'Love your enemies. Do good to those who persecute you.' Easier said than done maybe. But life lived in this way presents some surprising results. For Labib, the situation in the Middle East today presents him and his team with the greatest opportunity yet; to live the Christian life as Jesus intended. The Christians in Gaza need our prayers and our support. I am expecting that in the coming weeks and months, stories will begin to emerge from the ashes of Gaza...and I will bring them to you!

For more information about the work of the Palestinian Bible Society, log onto their web site www.pbs-web.com

For details of my upcoming tour to Israel, visit my website