Syrian Christians need our prayers
August 13, 2024
![]()
Syria is not safe for Christians. On previous travels, our World Prayer Team has learned that once Christians enjoyed more freedom and stability than many of the surrounding nations. Today, however, it’s one of the most persecuted nations on earth as the Islamic State has kidnapped, tortured, and killed followers of Jesus in the regions where they claim supremacy. Though many Christians have run, God is quietly drawing more Syrians to Himself. Yasmin is one of those and she asks us to pray for her in what seems like an impossible situation:
“I’ve been raised in a very nominal Christian family. When I was 18 years old, I married a Muslim man without any consideration to Christ. Immediately the thin link I had to Christianity snapped and I was entrenched in Islam. I have now four children. I am committed to Islamic rituals and doctrine because my husband is religious, and I cannot say no.
“However, after 23 years I feel that Jesus is calling me. One morning I woke up and began surfing the internet. I found your Facebook page and I instantly felt that Jesus is indeed calling me to be His. I do feel guilty about my children, because I have raised them to be Muslims. I wish I could tell them that I’ve now returned to my beloved Jesus Christ. I wish I could share my faith with them. But if I do I will never be allowed to see them again.
“My question is now, will the Lord forgive me for leaving and for not sharing His love with my children? What should I do? Even my husband is sensing my change—every day he asks me if I’m praying (the Islamic five prayers) or not. He watches me and keeps asking me to repeat the ‘SHAHADATIN’ to him. I feel bad lying, but I’m scared too. But one good thing is that although I can’t have a Bible, I’m following up on your episodes and trying to memorize as much of God’s Word as I can. I thank the Lord that He put you in my way so I could slowly become stronger in faith. Thank you! And pray for me and for my kids, please. I really want them to know Jesus.”
Thank God today for His promise that He doesn’t give up on us. Let’s pray for our brothers and sisters in Syria who face difficult decisions and for those they call upon to help them.
Father, thank You that Your Word is heard in Syria and Your Spirit is actively calling people by name. Give hope to those who are frightened and strength to those in impossible circumstances. Meet the needs of our sisters and brothers who have questions that seem to have no good answers. Guide them, protect them, and encourage them. Give wisdom and discernment to our team who answer their questions. Soften the hearts of family and community leaders so our brothers and sisters are treated with unexpected favor. Make a way when there seems to be none, so You are glorified in all. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.
God is able, thank Him for that today and pray with us tomorrow in Iraq.
Listen here to TTB-Arabic.