“People continued to come to church even though the bombs were falling.”
– Pastor George, a church leader from Syria
Christians in Syria face daily persecution that may become violent. In areas where Islamic extremist groups are active, church leaders are vulnerable because they seek to evangelise.
Church buildings are completely destroyed in extremist-controlled areas, and any public expression of faith is dangerous. Believers live with the constant realisation that Islamic extremists have not necessarily left Syria—they’ve just retreated into the shadows and may return to public life again.
As the Christian population of Syria has diminished due to the civil war, more and more Syrian Christians come from a Muslim background. This makes them targets—the government wants to ensure there is no social upheaval caused by religious conversion, and families and communities may reject, punish, or even attack Christians who convert from Islam.
In parts of Syria where Islamic extremists maintain control, Christians remain under significant pressure. IS has attacked Christian targets in the last several years, and tensions are high.
– Civil war has continued for more than a decade. Pray that God will bring peace to the country.
– Pray that God will protect church leaders and those who have left Islam to follow Jesus.
– Pray that God will strengthen local church partners to be the light of Christ in their communities.
