A New Road to Damascus


Pray for peace in Syria

The war in Syria is one of the greatest crises experienced in the Middle East within the past 20 years. It has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people, both Muslim and Christian. Thus far, more than two million Syrians have fled for refuge to neighbouring countries. Yet, in the midst of the crisis, members of our persecuted family in this part of the world are boldly reaching out with the love of Jesus. And the reactions of Muslims have been astonishing. Christians, once widely considered "infidels" in Syria, are now often affectionately referred to as "the Bible People."

"When you hear about one Muslim coming to Christ, it's a great thing, and everybody rejoices," explains a VOM Syrian contact. "Today, in Syria, I'm not talking about one person. We're talking about hundreds and even thousands of Muslims coming to know Christ!" Although there are great risks when ministering in the midst of this war zone, another Christian worker affirms that they are not allowing fear to prevent the Lord's work: "God is doing miracles inside the country. But even if He allows us to die, it will be an honour for us...to glorify His name."

Teams of believers are working sacrificially in the refugee camps, extending compassion while sharing both material and spiritual aid. The opportunities for ministry today exceed what we thought possible. Working with the Syrian church and local workers, VOM is actively distributing vitally needed necessities such as food, blankets, Bibles and Christian literature; providing support for in-country pastors and evangelistic teams; and proclaiming the Gospel through radio broadcasts. To participate in this project through our Relief and Development Fund, click here. More information on the situation in Syria can be found here.

While we can thank the Lord for bringing many Syrians out of darkness and into His marvellous light, we are mindful of our need to pray for these fellow believers who are still facing not only the horrific effects of war but also continued persecution. Please intercede for those who are bravely using this opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God. May He greatly bless our combined efforts to convey His love in action, peace in the midst of the storm, and the hope of eternal salvation.

  • Country Information

    Population
    22,933,531(2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Arab (50), Alawite (15) Kurd (10), Levantine (10) other (15)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87), Christian (10), Druze (3)

    Leader
    President Bashar al-Asad (2000)

    Government type
    Presidential republic; highly authoritarian regime

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law (for family courts)

    Source: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Syria

    Pray that the Lord of hosts will intervene in Syria to "preserve all who love Him" and "frustrate the way of the wicked" (Psalm 145:20; Psalm 146:9). Ask that the Spirit of God will subvert the rebellion of the militant groups so the "will for peace" shall indeed prevail over "the will for war." May the Lord provide for Syria's churches, ensuring that they are adequately equipped with the necessary ministry tools, resources and workers to continue faithfully serving and ministering as lights in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).

Syria News

  • Christian Refuses to Turn Over Christian School
    Rockets launched by the Sham Legion - Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agenc
    The Sham Legion is a group of 19
    Islamist rebel groups in Syria.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agency (cc)

    Radwan Muhammad is a Kurdish teacher and headmaster for a Christian school in the city of Afrin in northern Syria. He was ordered by the Sham Legion (Faylaq al-Sham) -- a coalition of Sunni Muslim groups -- to turn over the school building for an Islamic school. According to local sources, Radwan told them, "I will hand you the building in one case only: if Jesus Christ comes to earth again."

  • Christians Blocked from Refugee Camps
    Refugee Camp
    Refugee camp
    Photo: Voice of America

    Christians who have fled war-ravaged areas of Syria are facing continued persecution while trying to seek refuge in camps set up in Jordan, Lebanon and elsewhere. A substantial number of them are being blocked by United Nations officials when attempting to enter the camps because the majority of UN officials working in these countries are Muslims. Subsequently, many of the rejected refugees are being forced to live in hiding elsewhere, risking the danger of deportation and/or possible death if found.

  • Christians At Risk
    Hovsep Bedoyan
    Church leader Hovsep Bedoyan
    Photo: Middle East Concern /
    Middle East Council of Churches

    When American troops pulled out of Syria, and Turkish troops moved in to establish a "safe zone" in northeast Syria, there were understandable concerns about the safety of the people living in this area. Turkish authorities gave assurances that their forces would not persecute religious minorities, including a significant number of Christians. However, recent reports have indicated otherwise.

  • Turkish Offensive Raises Concerns for Christians
    Devastation from the war in Syria.

    As the Turkish military, along with allied Syrian rebels, continue their operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria, Christian communities are concerned about the repercussions that may follow. While the campaign is not religiously motivated, believers in the region face particular vulnerabilities.