A pastor and several members of his family were killed in Syria on July 16th during what church officials have described as a "targeted massacre." While initial reports confirmed at least 12 fatalities, other sources indicate that more than 20 people were possibly killed, including Pastor Khaled Mazher, his parents, as well as his sisters and their children.
The incident occurred just one day after governmental forces raided the city of Sweida, an area plagued by sectarian violence between government-backed Bedouin groups and Druze militias. As a matter of fact, Pastor Khaled himself had converted from the syncretic Druze religion several years prior. Some reports speculate that the attackers may have assumed that he was still a member of the Druze sect.
The broader context, however, indicates a deliberate targeting of Christians in these recent incidents. Just days before the attack, leaflets calling for violence against "cross worshippers" were found at the doors of various churches in the area. Additionally, less than a month earlier, a church in Damascus was targeted by a suicide bomber, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people (see this report).
Pastor Khaled led the Good Shepherd Evangelical Church, one of the few Christian congregations within the country's predominantly Druze region. Despite the increased danger and violence, the pastor remained committed to his ministry work, courageously sharing the Gospel message in this region. To learn more about how the violence in Syria is affecting the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters residing there, see our country profile.
- Pray for the grieving members of the Good Shepherd Evangelical Church and all those who are mourning the tragic loss of Pastor Khaled, his family, and the many other innocent victims of this devastating attack.
- Intercede on behalf of the country's church leaders as they determine how to move forward with their ministries amid the heightened hostility and uncertainty.
- Pray for an end to the violence in the city of Sweida and other areas of Syria, asking that those who are inciting such acts of terror would experience the Holy Spirit's conviction and transformation.
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