Until recently, Syria was a stable country. The agriculture and oil sectors provided a sufficient income for most of the population. Children went to school and
young people on to higher education. Under the authoritarian regime of Assad, ruthless action was taken against political enemies, but religious and ethnic minorities enjoyed a peaceful coexistence with the Sunni Muslim majority.
With the coming of the Arab Spring the situation changed dramatically. In 2011 a civil war erupted that becomes worse year after year. More than half of the population has had to leave their homes and start on an uncertain journey. Many fled within the country to relatives and friends. More than 4 million are now
living in neighboring countries where they are increasingly perceived as a heavy burden. Many survive on handouts and children often have no access to schools or education. No one knows what the future holds.
But this uncertain journey has also made it possible for Muslims to escape a tightly controlled social environment, enabling them to show interest in the Christian faith more openly. In addition, the atrocities perpetrated by the so-called Islamic State extremists challenge many Muslims to question the values of their religion. Many Muslims are open now to invitations to churches who offer them practical love through distribution of food packages, blankets, heating material and counseling. God is at work in and through these circumstances. In some areas, churches are full of new believers, in others there is openness and many
opportunities to talk about faith.
A family in Beirut told how they fled from Syria into Lebanon, leaving everything behind. They live in a small apartment. It is difficult to feed the whole family, and their children cannot go to school every day. But in the midst of these circumstances they say: “We have lost our home, but in Jesus we found something much more precious.”
Many Muslims are open now to invitations to churches
LET’S PRAY
- For the end of the conflict in Syria. Humanly speaking this seems impossible, but God is able.
- For the millions of refugees and their physical and psychological needs.
- That the church will respond wholeheartedly to help and support refugees with both immediate and ongoing needs as they integrate into their new homelands.
Post credited to the editors at Worldchristian: visit http://www. worldchristianconcern.org/donate to support mission efforts to reach the unreached for Christ.
