Hilda Andersson, R.N. (1948) was a Swedish medical missionary who served in China from 1918-1927 on behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod in North America. She then moved to Jerusalem, bought land on the Mount of Olives, and opened Svenskbo , a Christian guest house. She ran a hospital and mission for the poor among the Arabs and also supported the Jews’ efforts to establish their own state. Tensions rose in 1948 as British rule in Palestine was being dismantled. Pressured and threatened, she tried to leave the country, but visa issues delayed her. On Sunday, April 25, on the way home from St. George Cathedral, she was shot to death in the Kidron Valley. (Wikipedia)
Remembering our own lost to war & terror
CMJ USA • April 14, 2021
Israel celebrates Independence Day on Iyar 5 (which falls in April or May). However, the day before the fireworks and street parties, all Israel falls silent on Iyar 4 — Yom Hazikaron , Memorial Day — to remember fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks.
The CMJ community, continuously in the Holy Land since 1830s, and Christ Church Jerusalem (est. 1849) has lost members due to war and terror. We offer an incomplete list and hope to update it as we rediscover the names and stories of others.
Freeda Hishmeh (1937) was the wife of an Arab Christian who served as a CMJ evangelist in Jaffa. Freeda was killed in Jerusalem by terrorist in November 1937.
A. Davidson (1939) was a Hebrew Christian who served as the verger at Christ Church Jerusalem in the late 1930s. He was shot by terrorists on Jaffa Road in 1939 and died of his wounds in 1941.
Mildred Marston (1948) worked for CMJ as a teacher at the Girl’s College. Mildred and a colleague were on their way to St. George’s Cathedral on Easter morning (March 28) when there was a sudden burst of gunfire. The companion threw herself on the ground and was unhurt. However, the sniper fire struck and killed Mildred (as reported by Hannah Hurnard , author of Hinds’ Feet on High Places ).
Joan M. Thompson (1948) was the Acting Deputy Director of the British Department of Social Welfare. She attended Mildred Marston’s funeral on Easter Monday, according to Hannah Hurnard. Joan was scheduled to leave within days but was shot and killed by terrorists on Tuesday, March 30.
Barbara P. Burke (1991) from Sydney, Australia, worked for Christian Friends of Israel. She was killed by terrorists on the Mount of Olives on May 23.
Kristine Luken (2010) was an American who worked for CMJ UK. She was in Jerusalem visiting her friend Kay Wilson. On December 18, while on a hike in the Jerusalem forest, two Palestinian terrorists attacked and stabbed them. Kay survived by pretending to be dead, but Kristine was killed. Learn more about Kristine in the 10-year memorial service held at Christ Church.
Hannah Bladon (2017) was a British student studying at Hebrew University. On April 14, she was returning from an archaeological dig and on her way to the Good Friday service at Christ Church when she was stabbed and killed on the tram.
May their memories be a blessing.
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2026 has been a remarkable year of connection for CMJ USA. Traveling across the country to meet so many of you in person—at churches, conferences, and gatherings—is always a highlight of our ministry. From our early trips through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to our upcoming visits in California, Texas, and Virginia (plus the meaningful Seders and teachings close to home in Pennsylvania), we are deeply grateful for every open door. As we look ahead, we are preparing for a major milestone: launching Emunah in 2027 and introducing it to congregations nationwide. To reach as many communities as possible, we need to build a strong digital and physical foundation today. Here is where your Day of Giving support directly makes an impact: Expanding Emunah: While Emunah will initially launch as a digital download, our goal is to expand into print editions and high-quality video instruction to maximize its reach. Travel & Outreach: Bringing the Jewish roots of our faith directly to local congregations requires flights, rental cars, and boots on the ground. Upgrading Our Digital Presence: We are optimizing our website to make key resources easily accessible and expanding CMJ’s voice on social media to actively counter anti-Jewish rhetoric with truth and clarity. How You Can Partner with Us Today Invite Us to Your Church: We would love to minister to your local congregation in person. Pray for the Ministry: Stand with us in prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and open doors. Invest in the Mission: Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving a strategic one-time gift this Day of Giving. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley often reminds us, "The Lord pays for what He orders." We also know He delights in using His saints as conduits of His abundant provision. To our faithful regular donors: thank you. You are integral to everything we do. Will you help us take this next step forward today?
CMJ USA visits Christ Church Midland with New Wineskins Anglican Partners
Join the conversation on October 21, 2026 near Dallas, Texas