A New Road to Damascus


Pray for peace in Syria

The war in Syria is one of the greatest crises experienced in the Middle East within the past 20 years. It has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people, both Muslim and Christian. Thus far, more than two million Syrians have fled for refuge to neighbouring countries. Yet, in the midst of the crisis, members of our persecuted family in this part of the world are boldly reaching out with the love of Jesus. And the reactions of Muslims have been astonishing. Christians, once widely considered "infidels" in Syria, are now often affectionately referred to as "the Bible People."

"When you hear about one Muslim coming to Christ, it's a great thing, and everybody rejoices," explains a VOM Syrian contact. "Today, in Syria, I'm not talking about one person. We're talking about hundreds and even thousands of Muslims coming to know Christ!" Although there are great risks when ministering in the midst of this war zone, another Christian worker affirms that they are not allowing fear to prevent the Lord's work: "God is doing miracles inside the country. But even if He allows us to die, it will be an honour for us...to glorify His name."

Teams of believers are working sacrificially in the refugee camps, extending compassion while sharing both material and spiritual aid. The opportunities for ministry today exceed what we thought possible. Working with the Syrian church and local workers, VOM is actively distributing vitally needed necessities such as food, blankets, Bibles and Christian literature; providing support for in-country pastors and evangelistic teams; and proclaiming the Gospel through radio broadcasts. To participate in this project through our Relief and Development Fund, click here. More information on the situation in Syria can be found here.

While we can thank the Lord for bringing many Syrians out of darkness and into His marvellous light, we are mindful of our need to pray for these fellow believers who are still facing not only the horrific effects of war but also continued persecution. Please intercede for those who are bravely using this opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God. May He greatly bless our combined efforts to convey His love in action, peace in the midst of the storm, and the hope of eternal salvation.

  • Country Information

    Population
    22,933,531(2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Arab (50), Alawite (15) Kurd (10), Levantine (10) other (15)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87), Christian (10), Druze (3)

    Leader
    Interim President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa (January 2025)

    Government type
    In transition

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law (for family courts)

    Source: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Syria

    Pray that the Lord of hosts will intervene in Syria to "preserve all who love Him" and "frustrate the way of the wicked" (Psalm 145:20; Psalm 146:9). Ask that the Spirit of God will subvert the rebellion of the militant groups so the "will for peace" shall indeed prevail over "the will for war." May the Lord provide for Syria's churches, ensuring that they are adequately equipped with the necessary ministry tools, resources and workers to continue faithfully serving and ministering as lights in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16).

Syria News

  • Pastor and Family Killed in Targeted Attack
    An open parallel Bible.
    Photo: Unsplash / Sara Calado
     

    A pastor and several members of his family were killed in Syria on July 16th during what church officials have described as a "targeted massacre." While initial reports confirmed at least 12 fatalities, other sources indicate that more than 20 people were possibly killed, including Pastor Khaled Mazher, his parents, as well as his sisters and their children.

  • Suicide Bomber Attacks Damascus Church
    A man is standing amidst debris and broken-down icons in the aftermath of the bombing.
    The Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church after the bombing.
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    At least 20 worshippers were killed and dozens of others wounded when a lone attacker targeted the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church near Damascus on June 22nd. Approximately 350 people were inside the church building when the assailant suddenly opened fire and then detonated a suicide vest near the entrance of the church. The resulting blast not only killed those inside the building but also several people who had been standing within the immediate vicinity.

  • Islamist Commander Confiscates Land of Christians
    A farmer is checking his tomato plants.
    A farmer in Syria.
    Photo: UN Development Programme (cc)

    The Syrian city of Ras al-Ein, which happens to be located along the country's border with Türkiye, is currently under the control of a coalition of Islamist militias associated with the Turkish-backed rebel group, the Syrian National Army (SNA). In June 2024, a SNA commander named Abdulaziz Al-Sawadi visited the St. Thomas Syriac Orthodox Church in Ras al-Ein and expressed his commitment to develop a positive relationship with the small number of Christians remaining in the area. During his visit, the commander also vowed to provide the believers protection.

  • Christian Refuses to Turn Over Christian School
    Rockets launched by the Sham Legion - Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agenc
    The Sham Legion is a group of 19
    Islamist rebel groups in Syria.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Qasioun News Agency (cc)

    Radwan Muhammad is a Kurdish teacher and headmaster for a Christian school in the city of Afrin in northern Syria. He was ordered by the Sham Legion (Faylaq al-Sham) -- a coalition of Sunni Muslim groups -- to turn over the school building for an Islamic school. According to local sources, Radwan told them, "I will hand you the building in one case only: if Jesus Christ comes to earth again."