To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Jerry Dykstra : Feb 27, 2012  Open Doors USA

"Please join Syrian Christians in prayer. Only God knows what lies ahead, but Scripture assures us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

(Santa Ana, CA)—In the wake of a year of protests and violence, the volatile situation in Syria has brought great suffering to the entire population. Syrian Christians say their greatest need right now is prayer, according to Open Doors, an international ministry supporting persecuted Christians and religious freedom around the world.

The danger has prompted many churches across the country to meet only in daytime, many only on Sundays. On Fridays, the weekly Islamic day of assembly, many Christian schools now close. Because of rampant killing, theft and kidnapping of children, some parents have stopped sending their children to school. Syria also suffers a lack of fuel and electricity, an economy in shambles and few jobs. (Photo: AFP)

"Christians' plights vary by place," said Dr. Carl Moeller, president and CEO of Open Doors USA. "Damascus Christians seem to have the fewest difficulties; in contrast, many Homs Believers have fled what has become a war zone."

Some Christians want to stay; others desperately seek to emigrate, said Moeller. Many say they simply cannot flee.

"Many Believers tell us that Syria is where they belong and will remain, even if that means dying there," he said.

More than 80 percent of Christians have fled Homs, the city where fighting is the worst. Looters have invaded the homes of those who have fled. At least one evangelical church has been attacked. Those who remain have limited means of safe transportation. Few attend church services.

"Homs is a ghost town, and the situation of people there is not stable," another source said. "Everyone there fears for safety. People in the city don't have resources or supplies. The situation makes a decent human being cry."

In some areas, the situation is relatively safe for Christians. "We come together to worship, and people have strong faith," one Syrian pastor said. "Currently, Christians are not under direct attack. But we don't know if things change how they will treat us."

Christians fear that if President Assad is overthrown, their plight will dramatically worsen. But Christians find strength in their faith, Moeller said.

"Please join Syrian Christians in prayer," said Moeller. "Only God knows what lies ahead, but Scripture assures us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

Syria has more than 20 million inhabitants with 1.9 million of them Christians. Syria is ranked No. 36 on the Open Doors 2012 World Watch List of the top 50 persecutors of Christians.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Who Are the 13 Patriots Honored in Freedom Plaza?

The Left Couldn't Pause the Politics for One Lousy Day for 'The Great American State Fair'

One Player Refuses to Wear 'Pride' Hat During LA Dodgers' LGBT Night

What Happened to Spencer Pratt Is Why the Supreme Court Decision on Election DAY Is Key

Kash Patel Touts FBI 'Full-throttle Mission' after Operation Spring Cleaning Yields 615 Indictments/Complaints

Iranian Young People and Students Are Bravely Taking to the Streets Again in Protests against the Islamic Regime

Sirens Blare Throughout Israel as Iran and Houthis Fire Barrage of Missiles

Massive 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Southern Philippines, Triggers Tsunami Warnings across Pacific Region [Video]

Why Christianity Is Soaring in Iran While Islam Is Collapsing

Canada's Senate Passes Anti-Christian 'Bible Ban' Bill C-9, Now Heads to House of Commons

Good News: US Private Payrolls Post Biggest Gain Since January 2025

Four Senate Republicans Again Unite With Dems to Block Voter ID, SAVE America Act

Senate Passes Border and ICE Funding Megabill

Report: Obamacare Fraud Could Cost Taxpayers $25 Billion This Year

CALIFRAUDIA? Steve Hilton Says Whistleblower Claims of Separate Post Office 'Buckets' for Ballots Arriving AFTER Election Day

Detransitioner Chloe Cole Testifies at Fiery Senate Hearing on Mutilation of Gender-confused Children

NY Assembly Sends Bill to Hochul's Desk to Replace 'Mother' and 'Father' With 'Gestating' and 'Non-Gestating Parent'

Unbelievable! DOJ Exposes the Evil Truth About the SPLC Paying Extremists to Perpetuate Racism

New US Army Hymn 'Eternal Father, Hear Our Prayer' Composed by Former US Army Soldiers Choir Director is Endorsed by Army Chaplains

Henry Nowak's Death Exposed Britain's Two-Tier Justice System

Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner

Aimee Herd, Editor