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Syria

• Silent Exodus of Assyrian Christians

  In the midst of terrible war and chaos, Syria's Christian minority is facing insurmountable challenges due to distinct persecution. Vicious attacks have been made by militant Islamists and criminals, resulting in a massive exodus of believers who are being forced to flee the country. According to Archdeacon Emanuel Youkhana of the Assyrian Church of the East, who is trying to cope with the overwhelming refugee crisis, Christians in Syria are fleeing en masse from threats, kidnappings, rapes and murders. "Behind the daily reporting about bombs," he says, "there is an ethno-religious cleansing taking place, and soon Syria (will) be emptied of its Christians."

  Although the official number of Assyrian Christians who have already fled is not known, hundreds are crossing the border into Turkey and Lebanon daily. Sadly, these panic-stricken refugees have faced horrific circumstances and ongoing threats. Some point to a government that failed to protect them; others to the Islamist rebels who drove them out. One woman explained that her husband and son were shot in the head for no reason. "Our only crime is being Christians," she responded. (Click here to view a previous report that also reveals the seriousness of Syria's mounting persecution.)

  May these displaced Assyrian believers be mindful that our Lord Jesus, who was Himself rejected by those in His homeland, understands their plight. Pray that His reassuring presence and comfort will sustain them in their hour of need. Ask our Almighty God to provide greatly needed protection, strength and divine guidance as they seek refuge and safety in other lands. May the promised blessing of Matthew 5:10 serve to further encourage them: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

• Anti-Christian Violence Increases As War Intensifies

  The inhabitants of Jaramana, a suburb in Damascus, are now trying to recover from the shock and terror of recent twin car bombings which took the lives of 38 and injured at least 83. It is known that many Christians reside within this community, which was reportedly blasted by "terrorists" who are seeking to overthrow the government and attack all who are loyal to it. To read further about Syria's Christian minority, visit the Syria Country Report.

  It is apparent from other recent events that Christians are indeed being targeted in Syria. For example, on October 25th, the lifeless tortured body of Father Fadi Haddad, 43, was discovered by the side of a road. A few days prior to his kidnapping, Father Fadi told a pastor who provided him with Bibles, "I cannot not serve Jesus. I need to help people...."

  Other incidences include the November 14th attack of four missiles on the Christian village of Tel Nasri where a church and many homes were severely damaged. It is reported that a 14-year-old boy was killed and many were wounded during the attack. On October 21st, in Bab Touma (an historical Christian neighbourhood in Damascus), a car parked next to two churches exploded at a time when local believers were heading for services. At least 10 people were killed and more than 16 injured. About a month before the most recent twin car bombings, another bombing in Jaramana killed 11 people and wounded 69 (on October 29th).

  Thankfully, the above mentioned deceased followers of Christ are now basking in the wonderful presence of God and, undoubtedly, many of them are the recipients of eternal rewards for their diligence...right to the very end. May others be inspired by their willingness to remain true to the Gospel. Please uphold all of the surviving believers in this part of the world who are facing many hardships, as well as ongoing threats of terrorism. Pray that the Lord will cover them with His peace and protection, and that they would experience a profound sense His presence in the midst of adversity.

• Christians fleeing by thousands

  Thousands of Christians have fled Syria after being accused of supporting the Assad regime or observing a "Western religion." Some believers have been killed, among whom is Atallah Ibrahim Bitar, who was shot to death while taking food to people forced into hiding by a week-long bombardment.

  Most of the 10,000 Christian residents have left the area of Qusayr, near Homs, "after reportedly being given an ultimatum to leave, a threat which was also echoed by the mosques," according to aid workers in the region. Workers with another ministry described the city as "an extremely dangerous place for those who remain and it is clear that Christians no longer feel safe in their homes." According to a Dutch aid group, 90 percent of Christians living in Homs fled after "fanatics" forced them to leave their homes. An estimated 50,000 people have fled Homs since February.

  Pray for the divine protection of Christians in Syria. Pray that they will find safe refuge and that they will prosper and flourish wherever they go. Pray for peace in Syria.

  Go to the Syria Country Report to learn more about the opposition our brothers and sisters face in Syria.

• War brings additional trials for believers

  Christians in Syria who share their faith have always faced danger, but the escalating civil war is making evangelistic efforts even more dangerous. Several evangelists who work with VOM have lost family members.

  "In some cases, people were killed because of their Christian identity," said VOM's program officer for the region. "We are checking into how we can be of assistance to those who have been injured for their faith, including one whose face was mutilated as a warning to other Christians."

  The war has also displaced many Christians. As Christians flee the fighting and leave their houses behind, Muslims and members of the rebel groups take possession of them.

  In addition, one church was closed by the government in recent months, and other churches remain under threat of closure.

  Pray for peace and for the protection of Syrian believers. Pray that Syrian believers will rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd walks with them through this difficult time (Psalm 23). Pray that Christians will show Christ-like love to their neighbours, even those who persecute them.

  To learn more about Syria's persecuted Church, go to the Syria Country Report.

• Christians increasingly vulnerable amid power struggle

  Fears for the safety of Syria's Christian population have been on the rise amid the "Arab Spring" -- the pro-democracy uprisings sweeping the Middle East and North Africa since March. The Syrian regime is allied to Shia Iran and Hezbollah; however, the nation's population is 90 percent Sunni Arab, adding to fears that intense sectarian conflict similar to that in Iraq could arise in the country. (The two predominant sects of Islam are Sunni and Shia. A majority of Muslims is Sunni with the smaller percentage of Shia Muslims living in Iran and Iraq.) If such a struggle ensues, Syria's 1.4 million Christians (6.3 percent of the population) could be in the same vulnerable, threatened position as Iraq's now almost annihilated Christian community, especially if the current regime under President Bashar al-Assad loses control. (In fact, Syria hosts hundreds of thousands of Assyrian and Chaldean Christian refugees from Iraq.)

  Consequently, Syrian Christians are maintaining a very low-key approach both politically and religiously. They kept their observance of Easter very quiet this year, cancelling traditional public processions and celebrations. The on-going riots have not been sectarian yet, being rooted in grievances that are social (repression and inequality) and economic (unemployment plus massive fuel and food price hikes).

  Ask God to embolden, comfort and encourage all Syria's Christians with His presence. Pray followers of Christ in Syria will be a strong witness to their family, friends, neighbours and their oppressors, seeing the current unrest as an opportunity to evangelize.

  To learn more about the trials facing Christians in Syria, visit theSyria Country Report.

• Eight house churches closed

  At least eight evangelical churches in northern Syria have reportedly been closed by the Syrian government. The government ordered the closure of numerous house churches, claiming that they were meeting in places deemed inappropriate for worship. Many Syrian Christians, however, believe that the government's "legal" excuse for closing churches is merely a cover-up for a wider government crackdown against evangelical Christian activity in Syria. The closures are a devastating blow to Christian church communities in Syria, as many congregations cannot afford to buy a plot of land and build a church and so instead purchase apartment buildings to use as places of worship. (Source: International Christian Concern)

  Pray for the members of these churches -- that they will continue to entrust the life and mission of their church communities to the Lord amid these challenges. Pray that God will give endurance, encouragement and a spirit of unity to all those following Christ in Syria (Romans 15:5).

  Go to theSyria Country Report to learn more about persecution in Syria.