Augusta Victoria
Matthew 10:1-4
“A sign of hope in a troubled land.”
As Jesus carried out his healing ministry, he did so without regard to identity. Jesus healed the child of the Syro-Phoenician woman. Jesus relieved a demonic possessed man living in the Decapolis of his demons. The daughter of a Roman Centurion revived at Jesus word. In following Jesus example, we too offer health and hope and healing to all in need.
Among the many programs, clinics, and hospitals supported through the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, Augusta Victoria Hospital provides a good example. AVH is a program of the Lutheran World Federated Department for World Service in Jerusalem. It started in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as a major medical facility in Jerusalem after the 1948 war to care for Palestinian refugees. Today, most of the patients served by AVH continue to be in social need and seeking life-saving specialized care.
Specialty departments that account for the majority of work at the hospital are: The Cancer Care Center, the Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Care Center, the Artificial Kidney Unit (dialysis), the Surgical Care and Ear, Nose, Throat Center, the Diabetes Care Center, the Specialized Center for Child Care, and the Skilled Nursing and Long-Term (Sub-Acute) Care Facility. These care centers provide specialized treatments that are not available in the majority of hospitals in Palestine.
AVH is the first and only hospital to provide radiation therapy for cancer patients in the Palestinian territories and is the only medical facility in the West Bank offering pediatric kidney dialysis. On a daily basis, these and other specialty services touch countless lives, both young and old, from communities across the Palestinian territories. August Victoria hospital is the light of the resurrection in Palestine.
Prayer: O God the giver of health and wholeness, we give you thanks for the medical personnel who work in less than ideal situations, who put their own lives at risk to treat people in the midst of war or epidemics. Keep them safe and healthy that they may bring your healing presence to all. We especially lift up the ministry of mercy at Augusta Victoria Hospital in their time of need. Amen.
Fast: By taking time to make a list of what you are grateful for.
Act: Advocate with authorities for adequate health care for everyone.
OR set aside $1 for ELCA World Hunger medical projects
...the least of these... 