In October 2007 the Bible Society bookshop manager in Gaza, Rami Ayyad, was abducted and murdered. It is believed his death was motivated by anti-Christian sentiment.
 
He left behind his wife Pauline, who was pregnant with their third child at the time, and two sons.
 
When Pauline eventually gave birth she named her daughter Sama which in Arabic means 'heaven'.

“Because that is where Rami is,” explained Pauline, “and I wanted his daughter to have that special link to him through her name.”
 
Bible Society New Zealand CEO, Rev Mark Brown was quick to act when he heard of the family's tragedy. He encouraged Bible Society staff to donate to a trust that had been set up for Pauline and the education of her three children. He also mentioned it in one of Bible Society's publications. This brought an immediate and generous response from the New Zealand Christian community.
 
The result so far is that New Zealand has contributed $21,000 to the trust fund.
 
“When I phoned Pauline a month or two ago to ask how she is getting on, she was so grateful for the support,” said Mark Brown.

‘It means so much to me’ she said in saying thank you to the New Zealand people. ‘Your support and your prayers have really lifted me up. Thank you so much’ she said.”

Mr Brown said that because Christians here and throughout the world had been moved to give to the trust fund, its total now stood at nearly $150,000.


4 March 2009

Contact:    Errol Pike
                Bible Society New Zealand
                P: (04) 5500843
                E: (alternative: )

Photo of Pauline Ayyad available on request.