Syria
Believers Threatened
Muslims told Christian villagers in SYRIA to join Islamist protests against the government or leave. Ask God to protect the believers.
Pray that Muslims will have opportunities to hear the Gospel. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”
Believers Forced to Worship Quietly
Christians in SYRIA had to keep Easter celebrations quiet earlier this year and canceled public celebrations. Believers fear that the current power struggle among Muslims in Syria will cause Christians to lose even the relative freedoms they enjoy. Some Muslims are calling for Jihad.
Pray that Syrian believers will stand fast in their faith. “We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your name is near.”
Christian Refugees Flee
UPDATE: Praise God that an Egyptian believer and his daughter have been able to leave SYRIA! After escaping attacks from Muslims in Egypt, they feared Islamic opposition to Muslim background believers in Syria. They fled Syria for Europe without knowing anyone or being prepared.
Praise God for the Christians who have taken them in and are helping them seek asylum! “We ought always to give thanks to God for you...because your faith is growing abundantly.”
Christian Refugees Still in Danger
UPDATE: A Christian refugee and his daughter have escaped from Egypt to SYRIA, but they are still afraid to go our of their house or meet people. In Egypt Muslims attacked them because the father tried to change his religion on his government ID card.
Ask God to protect them and give them peace. “He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.”
Eight Churches Closed
In the Muslim-majority nation of SYRIA, the government has closed down at least eight churches. Believers fear that the government is cracking down on Christianity in Syria.
Pray that God will protect the congregations and provide for them. “God will provide for Himself the lamb.”
Government Tells Church to Close
A new church in SYRIA has been closed by the government. The believers hope to continue meeting, but they are uncertain how to comply with the law.
Pray that God will give wisdom and provide a way for them to continue to worship together. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
Christ Testifies to Himself
A woman in SYRIA saw Jesus in a dream. He told her, "I am Jesus Christ who died on the cross for you; I love you." Since then, she has been filled with an inexplicable joy. She is now a Christian.
Pray that she will grow quickly in the faith and be a great witness to those around her. "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts."
Taking the Gospel with them
A Muslim-background believer from Syria was threatened with death by his own family, and fled to the United Arab Emirates. But as he and his wife shared their faith, they continued to receive threats, including the video of a beheading.
Praise God that, in a landmark case, this couple has been granted asylum in the United Kingdom. Pray that their continued evangelistic work will bear much fruit. "And they shall dwell securely in it, and they shall build houses and plant vineyards."
