Syria

Partner with Local Missionaries in Syria

Located in the 10/40 Window

Nine years of civil war followed by the spread of novel coronavirus infections have ravaged the country. The middle classes that began vanishing after protests in 2011 turned into civil war have been cast into poverty as COVID-19 spread, shutting down the already reeling economy and bringing widespread hunger and desperation.

Damages and atrocities by Islamic extremist factions in the civil war hardened many people against Islam in a country that is nearly 90 percent Muslim, and local missionaries have been able to bring hope in Christ to thousands. The growth of evangelical Christianity is spreading at a swift 4.2 percent per year, higher than the global average of 2.6 percent.

A local ministry requests assistance to cover the living expenses of its workers as they strive to help meet immense needs amid an unprecedented opportunity to share the gospel. Assistance is also sought to purchase Bibles and gospel CDs loaded with biblical stories and teachings for local missionaries to distribute to seekers and new Christians.

When possible as coronavirus concerns wane, about 1,000 children will resume attending regular events where they enjoy Christian fellowship and learn about Christ’s salvation. The ministry needs to train additional leaders and teams to keep up with demand. Workers also request assistance to provide children’s ministry starter kits to displaced Christians raised in Muslim homes who are returning to their homes as local missionaries.

Sources: Joshua Project, Wikipedia

17.38 million

Population

0.19%

Evangelical Population:

People Groups:

Unreached People Groups:

How to Pray for Syria

Pray that local missionaries and those they are serving will find the resources they need to survive amid an economy ruined by COVID-19.
Pray Muslims putting their faith in Christ will find fellowship amid times that make it difficult to gather, and that they will be protected from fierce opposition.
Pray that more volunteers and leaders will be trained as children’s outreaches and other ministries resume.

More stories from Syria

Comfort Victims of Violence in Syria

Recently, more than a thousand people, including Christian families, were killed in a violent terrorist attack. “The darkness that swept through their homes has left behind a deep, aching silence,” the ministry leader said. The ministry managed to transport basic food supplies to the survivors, though prices have skyrocketed and the roads are difficult to travel. “People are hungry. There is real pain,” the ministry leader said. “But despite the darkness, a flicker of light remains.”

Syrian Christians Among Those Affected by Violence

In July, after violence erupted in Syria’s Suwayda region, killing 594 people and displacing thousands, Christian Aid received the following message from a ministry that has worked in the region: We write to you with trembling hearts. Days ago, unspeakable horror unfolded in Suwayda, Syria, where entire families were massacred without mercy. People were killed in a brutal terrorist attack—among them were believers in Christ, people we have served and prayed with. The darkness that swept through their homes has left behind a deep, aching silence. We cry out with the psalmist in Psalm 10, pleading for God’s justice. Friends, we are not just watching a tragedy unfold—we are in the middle of it.

Spread the Salvation Message in Syria

A church planted in Syria has become a vibrant spiritual congregation that offers a variety of spiritual services and activities, such as Sunday school for children, youth, and adults, to its 100 members as well as anyone interested in Christian fellowship. “The church plays a significant role in evangelism and spreading the gospel, not only within the city but also in neighboring villages,” the ministry leader said. “It actively engages in follow-up, visitation, discipleship programs, and humanitarian services.” Your donations support such fellowships.

Support Gospel Proclamation in Syria

In spite of intense pressures and conflict, native workers have continued bringing compassion, hope and encouragement to people who have never heard about Christ as well as to those who are suffering for following Him. Workers have numerous opportunities to answer the questions of both new disciples and people who are considering becoming Christians. Over the course of six months, workers led 350 people to faith in Christ and started 12 home fellowships. Donations are sought for such gospel work. Pray for the safety of both workers and new Christians facing persecution.

Help Plant Gospel Seeds in Syria

In a country in economic shambles from war, workers providing aid and emotional support have many opportunities to share Christ. A Muslim woman who regularly visited a home fellowship often disturbed services, but then one evening she admitted she was in spiritual bondage and needed prayer. After they prayed for her, she said she wanted to become a Christian, and she gave her life to Christ; she now hosts a new Bible study group in her home with six other women. Workers need donations of $50 or $100 to plant gospel seeds and form such disciples. Pray for support and spiritual renewal for workers facing the same bleak realities of a war-ravaged country as those they’re serving.

Help Form New Christians in Syria

Muslims who hear the gospel from native Christian workers count a great cost before deciding to accept Him – their safety, health and ability to make a living are at risk in the face of opposition from family and neighbors. Already facing severe difficulties from an economy ravaged by war, they risk losing the social net that keeps them alive. House churches continue to emerge, however, as more Muslims put their faith in Christ; in one community, a small group grew to 20 new believers eager to be baptized. Workers need donations to proclaim Christ and disciple new Christians facing severe opposition. Pray the Lord will provide for them and native workers.