Stories from Syria: Tortured Like Jesus

Altair (not his real name) endured excruciating torture at the hands of Syrian forces for many months as they sought information on his brother fighting in the resistance army — information Altair did not have. At some point in his life, he had seen the Jesus Film, and as they stretched his arms out like a cross, he remembered the scene of Jesus hanging on the cross, saying, “Father, forgive them.” In such agony at the hands of evil men, Altair thought, “It’s humanly impossible to forgive that kind of torture. The only way Jesus could have forgiven is if He was God.” So he prayed, “God, get me out of this prison and I’ll follow You the rest of my life.” The Lord answered his prayer. Eventually released from prison, Altair is now a faithful follower of Jesus.

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him….

Philippians 3:10 NIV

Lord, please grow Altair and every Syrian Christian strong in love and truth, and empower them to share their faith widely with the lost so many more will come to You. Guard them and their families from persecution and give them favor with all who know them. Thank You, Lord, for the way You met Altair in his darkest of hours. Please make the way for every Syrian to hear Your Good News a way they can easily understand. Spread the Jesus Film widely and make Bibles available to every person. Awaken their hearts to the Truth who sets them free. Break the chains that bind them to Satan’s purposes and tear down every wall that has blocked them from seeing You as You truly are. Give them courage to brave whatever it takes in order to seek You with all their hearts and find You. Jeremiah 29:13. Give the lost such a hunger for You, they will ask questions that lead to salvation. For those who have been through the horrors of torture and war, please heal their minds and hearts. Set them free from traumatic memories and help them forgive those who did such evil acts against them. Bring persecutors to their knees before You in repentance and fear of the Lord, and save them, O God. Perform signs and miracles and wonders all throughout the land in ways that every person will know Christ is King. Bring about a mighty church planting movement all throughout Syria and the world with thousands turning to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For a free guide to knowing God’s voice, 30 Days of Prayer for Global Awakening, Dare to Be a Mighty Warrior, Out You Go, Fear! and other powerful resources for prayer and fighting for what matters most, visit MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.

Any proceeds this author receives from the sale of the deep devotional Bible studies and other MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com books mentioned in this post go to shining Christ’s light in the darkness and seeing the nations come to Him.

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