Syria: Drone Attack at Graduation Kills 100

At least 100 people died and perhaps 240 others were wounded in a drone attack at a military college graduation ceremony in Homs Province, Syria, on Thursday. Moments later, Syrian planes targeted 20 villages and towns in opposition-controlled areas of Idlib Province, killing at least six, and wounding about 40 others, including women and children. (Al Jazeera, Oct 5)

Nearly 90% Muslim, Syria ranks 12th on Open Doors’ World Watchlist of most dangerous countries for Christians. Many years of civil war have left the nation devastated with violence, poverty, hunger and trauma. In Idlib and Hasakah Provinces, religious minorities are persecuted by Turkish forces and associated Islamic militias. Christians have been attacked, murdered, kidnapped and raped in those regions. Christian women in these areas must completely cover themselves in public or suffer violence. Converts from Islam are expelled from their family and community, sometimes even killed to restore “honor” to the family.

“In the few areas controlled by Islamic militants, leaders of traditional churches are particularly targeted for kidnap or attack since they have greater public visibility. This is designed to intimidate the Christian community. Most church buildings have either been demolished or repurposed as Islamic centres. Public expressions of Christian faith are prohibited and church buildings cannot be repaired or restored. Even in government-controlled areas, evangelism and converting from Islam to Christianity are seen as a threat to social stability and are therefore heavily suppressed.”

“It’s a prolonged crisis, without seeing an end. We had positive and negative experiences. There were painful situations, people got killed, injured. On the other hand we experienced divine light amid darkness.”

Pastor Edward, who runs a Centre of Hope in Syria (Open Doors)

Lord, please bring an end to the violence and war in Syria. Comfort those who mourn and heal the wounded. Gather the lost up into Your arms and speak to them in such a way they will feel You there with them and hear Your voice calling them to Yourself. Meet them in their dreams and show them Jesus. Give them a hunger for You so strong they will lay down tradition, fear, prejudice, violence, hatred and religious pride; and surrender to Truth. Be a Shield around every Christian, hiding them from those who seek to inflict persecution and harm. Bless believers abundantly with more than enough provisions for their families, so they will freely bless those in need around them. Shield women and children from those who seek to do evil against them. Let Muslims see with their own eyes Your angels protecting Your beloved bride. Bring them to their knees in fear of the Lord and repentance. Relentlessly meet them in their dreams and in visions throughout the day, showing them the Truth that sets them free. Give Christians courage and a great outpouring of Your love to extend forgiveness and grace. We thank You, Lord, that despite so many dangers, many Christians are standing strong in their faith, shining Light in the darkness. Thank You for the Centres of Hope helping the war-weary. Please continue to provide for all their needs, and empower them with Your Spirit to love so abundantly that all will see You and know You are the one they’ve been longing for. For every Christian who is persecuted in Syria, we as You for 1,000 new converts from Islam. For every church that has been demolished and re-purposed for Islamic activities, we ask You for 1,000 new and vibrant church plants. Replace all the evil, violence and death with Your love, mercy and LIFE. We speak Life now over Syria. Lord, come and build Your throne there, drawing the nation to Jesus.

Join us for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on Sunday, November 5, 2023, as we pray for our brothers and sisters who are in danger, and for their persecutors to be saved.

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Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through giving a donation, shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, praying for them or inviting them to speak at your church, retreat or other event, click the buttons below:

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