A trusted friend of our ministry (who asked to remain anonymous) shared this important update about Syria with us. I felt that it would be good to share it so that it could inspire us to pray for the dear believers in that broken country. “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Hebrews 13:3, NIV).
In the last few days untold numbers of Christians and minority groups have been massacred by Syrian security forces. The violence is reported to have begun as retaliation against Alawites loyal to the former president of Syria, Bashar al-Assad.
In an effort to shed some light on the current situation, it is necessary to understand who the current president of Syria is. He goes by the name Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, and he is the leader of an extremist group of insurgents who call themselves Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS).
Prior to his self-proclaimed presidency, his name was Abu Mohammad Al-Julani. He is a former al-Qaeda fighter who fought for three years in the Iraqi insurgency. He was later taken captive by American forces where he was detained for five years. Al-Julani has a rich history of extremist connections. After breaking with al-Qaeda he formed the al-Nursra Front, where he led fighters who sought to overthrow the president of Syria and establish an Islamic State ruled by Sharia Law. Much like the Islamic State, (ISIS). Al-Julani successfully overthrew the former president of Syria in December of 2024.
The people of Syria have suffered under 14 years of war and unspeakable trauma. A partner who serves in Syria says, "The reality in Syria today is very dark."
In times of uncertainty and unspeakable sorrow many are turning to the church for help. Alawites are a minority Shia Muslim sect who are being killed alongside Christians. Allawites are turning to churches for help. Pray they find safety and security in the arms of Christ.
Pray for Syrian Christian leaders who are ready to serve those flocking to the church for help. May they be strengthened, resourced, and protected. Pray for food and basic necessities to be made available to those in need. Pray for their families who serve alongside them.
Another partner of a ministry in this area shares how in the face of threats they are "giving the word of God to everyone." He shared how he encountered a security force member who saw the cross and bible in his vehicle. This man hit his fist on the car and said, "Days are coming. We are going to get you one by one. We are going to step on your neck."
This same pastor asks that we pray for "God to be glorified even in these dark times." Pray for church leadership. They can be a target. May God protect them and equip them to be sources of life and light in dark times.
The people of Syria need our prayer, our voices, and our support.
