Church grows as Muslims in Syria turn to Christ

Syria (MNN) — Syria may be ravaged by more than a decade of war, but there is still hope. Muslim Syrians are turning to Christ as they discover His truth.

Even though today’s difficult circumstances continue, Jesus offers hope for tomorrow.

(Graphic courtesy of VOM Canada)

“The fighting that Syria has experienced in the cities and from house to house, from street to street is over. But the results are very difficult,” says Voice of the Martyrs Canada Partner Fayez Youssef, a pastor serving in the Middle East/North Africa.

“Life in Syria is so hard. There is no free gasoline for heating; (there are) problems with electricity (with) at most two, three hours of electricity per day. If the dollar is equal to 6,500 lira, a person who earned $500 now earns only $10 or $15.”

Almost seven million Syrians are displaced within the country, while over five million live as refugees in neighboring countries. The violence of the Islamic State led to a mass exodus of Christians from Syria in 2014 and 2015, but those who remain today are shining heroes.

“It is the natural role of a church to be a light in these dark places, to show people God’s love and mercy and to spread the Good News. The church in Syria is doing great work,” says Youssef.

“That was something that amazed me in Syria: seeing the church grow and open its doors to people of all backgrounds.”

With the help of VOM Canada, believers are reaching vulnerable populations, including Syria’s next generation. Pray that their efforts will be successful.

“Many, many children do not attend regular schools. Some of them have lost their parents and are growing up as orphans. We are talking about a traumatized generation,” says Youssef.

Header and story images courtesy of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada.