Thimar –A Faith Community Nursing Ministry. Rooted in Faith. Growing in Hope. Bearing Fruit in Every Season.
Thimar—meaning "Fruitful"—was born from more than twenty years of faithful ministry among Christian seniors in Palestine. It is the fruit of God's calling, nurtured through years of compassionate service, professional healthcare, and a deep conviction that every older person is created in the image of God and deserves to age with dignity, purpose, and hope.
Although older adults represent approximately 6% of the Palestinian population—around 336,000 people according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS, mid-2025)—their numbers continue to grow as life expectancy increases. Yet many remain among the most vulnerable members of society. Nearly 90% of the seniors we serve are widowed and living alone, often separated from their children who have emigrated in search of security and opportunity. Many struggle with financial insecurity due to the absence of pension and social security systems, while access to specialized geriatric healthcare remains extremely limited. Movement restrictions, chronic illness, loneliness, and declining social support further deepen their daily challenges.
In the midst of prolonged conflict, the elderly in both the West Bank and Gaza carry an even heavier burden. Disrupted healthcare services, shortages of essential medications and food, damaged homes and infrastructure, displacement, restricted mobility, and the emotional trauma of ongoing violence have significantly increased their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Many who once found comfort within close-knit extended families now live in profound isolation, longing not only for practical assistance, but also for companionship, belonging, and renewed purpose.
It is into this reality that Thimar seeks to bring the compassionate presence of Christ.
Our vision is to accompany Palestinian seniors with love, dignity, and professional care that nurtures holistic well-being—body, mind, and spirit. We strive to enhance their quality of life by enabling safe and dignified aging at home while building caring communities where older adults remain connected, valued, and spiritually encouraged.
As the only Parish Nurse serving in Palestine, I remain deeply grateful for the calling the Lord placed upon my heart more than two decades ago. Parish nursing beautifully bridges medicine and theology—bringing together professional healthcare and Christian ministry. It is caring for the body while gently ministering to the soul; offering skilled clinical care alongside prayer, encouragement, and the hope of the Gospel. It is Christ's compassion expressed through healing hands and a listening heart.
Thimar is the fruit of this journey.
From its very beginning, Thimar has embraced a model of empowerment rather than dependency. Ten senior volunteers actively participate in planning, implementing, and evaluating every aspect of the ministry because we firmly believe that older adults are not merely recipients of care—they are leaders, mentors, servants, and faithful bearers of wisdom whose gifts continue to enrich the Church and society.
Through our year-long holistic program, seniors participate in health education and disease prevention sessions, Bible studies, prayer gatherings, pastoral care, emotional support groups, and meaningful fellowship that strengthens both faith and community. Lifelong learning is encouraged through English classes, while creativity and joy flourish through book clubs, drama, choir, recreational activities, and intergenerational events. Weekly home visits ensure that those who are home-bound, frail, or immobile experience the love of Christ in practical ways, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and never forgotten.
Our ministry extends beyond programs—it cultivates relationships. We seek to restore hope where there is loneliness, purpose where there is despair, and community where there has been isolation.
At its heart, Thimar is more than a ministry to older adults; it is a testimony of God's enduring faithfulness. Just as Scripture reminds us that "They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green" (Psalm 92:14), we believe every season of life holds sacred purpose. Our prayer is that every senior we serve will continue to bear lasting fruit—living with dignity, growing in faith, and experiencing the love of Christ through a community that walks faithfully beside them.
Thimar is more than a program—it is a family where lives are transformed, friendships are cultivated, and every season of life is embraced with dignity, purpose, and God's unfailing love.
Because every life matters. Every story matters. Every season can still bear fruit.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The harvest is plentiful, and the need is great.
Your partnership enables us to reach some of the most vulnerable elderly people in Palestine with compassionate care, practical support, and the hope of Christ. Together, we can replace loneliness with belonging, fear with hope, and isolation with loving community.
Every gift—whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial support—helps an elderly man or woman experience dignity, healing, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.
We warmly invite you to join us in this ministry of compassion. Together, we can help our seniors continue to bear beautiful fruit in the season of old age, bringing glory to God and hope to generations who have given so much to others.
You can donate by sending a check or make a wire to:
GEN Raymond Davis Templar Foundation
c/o Adams Financial LLC
2 Columbia Rd Ste 9
Pembroke, MA 02359
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Thimar Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588373013649
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Raeda Mansour / Evangelical Lutheran church of the Reformation Parish Nurse
Beit Jala – Holy land
Phone: +970598494810
