Crisis Continues for Persecuted Christians

In any conflict, the wealthy are the first to flee. Then, as life becomes intolerable, the middle class flee across borders into camps where they wait, in hopes that the fighting will end and they will be able to return to their homes and businesses. When the fighting doesn't end, they seek alternatives, including the services of people smugglers. Lacking resources, the poor have little choice but to stay and watch their children grow up traumatized, brutalized, and without stable education.

Several of the refugee camps are much too dangerous for religious minorities. Consequently, most Christians hope to obtain refuge in monasteries, churches, Christian schools and other suitable buildings. Thus the local church carries the burden, explains Elizabeth Kendall in her informative report for RLPB. The global church needs to share this load and send necessary aid to those caring for refugees, she further informs, but only through recognized Christian agencies.

The crisis facing followers of Christianity in the Middle East is existential. Of course, Christian families should be rescued. Yet, ideally, a safe haven needs to be established in the historic Christian heartland where believers can preserve their heritage and culture, worship freely and educate their children with liberty and security. The Assyrian hope for this to eventually be fulfilled lives on... fuelled by faith and rooted in the promise of God as found in Isaiah 19:23-25. May the Lord intervene for the persecuted people of the Middle East while continuing to build His persevering church. Additional reports on the crisis in Syria can be found at our Syria Country Report.

Pray specifically that the 'Lord of Hosts' will intervene mightily on behalf of each imperilled believer in Syria and all surrounding Middle Eastern countries. Request that He secure justice and liberty for His precious people, provide those requiring rescue the assistance and means to do so, while also making it possible for others who want to stay in their homeland the option of having a safe sanctuary within their own country. Ask Him to provide for each church, monastery and organization that's tirelessly sheltering and caring for the multitudes of Christian refugees, enabling them to raise the necessary funds and give a voice to the voiceless. May the Holy Spirit flood the hearts of all pastors, priests and Christian workers across the Middle East with His love, grace and comfort -- so their faith would remain strong and their hope will not fade.

Do not miss the opportunity to pray on behalf of the persecuted church with fellow believers around the world on Sunday, November 8th. For more information on this year's International Day of Prayer and how you can participate, please go to this page. Be sure to share this information with others of your church and prayer group.