QAMISHLI, SYRIA — Pastor George Moushi leads a church in Qamishli, northern Syria. His church responded when the region was invaded by Turkish forces last autumn, providing vital aid for many vulnerable Syrians. Support from Open Doors has kept them going as they faced a very visible threat – bombs, soldiers, Islamic extremists and now the devastation of Covid-19.

This is an account from Pastor George an Open Doors Partner

“When the bombs started falling on the city, it was a very difficult time. It was possible for anyone to be injured or their house to be destroyed. So, in this moment, as a person who has faith and trusts in God I started praying to God to intervene.

“I remember the first thing we did was to see how we could help others. So, we called and checked on some families who were in danger. Soon after my wife and I went to buy bread. We bought so much bread so we could help people who didn’t have access to food. The very next day we gathered for a prayer meeting and we started to pray for Qamishli. We continued going to church and praying even when the bombs fell and there was danger. We never stopped praying for the city.”

Years of conflicted fueled by war and religious extremism has left the Syrian church on the brink of extinction.

Covid-19 is a new and devastating challenge for believers who have already faced so much.

“People right now are living in a real time of poverty. Many times, while I’m walking, I see children and even men picking up food out of the garbage to take home for their families. We offer help to all people from all religions whether Muslims or Christians. If I want to show people God’s love, I can’t close my eyes to their needs. So we hope that support would continue and that it would be even greater because of the huge need of food, education and medicine when these crises arise. Please pray for the people. Pray that the Lord helps us overcome this crisis. We pray that the kingdom of God comes to Syria.”

Read more news on Syria and the Christian Persecution and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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About Open Doors UK

Open Doors is a non-denominational mission that supports persecuted Christians in over 70 countries where Christianity is socially or legally discouraged or oppressed. In their work they provide vital support, training and resources to those facing persecution or discrimination.

Resources that they provide include distributing Bibles and literature, running leadership training, assisting with socio-economic development and intercessory prayer. They also help victims of violence and disaster, including widows and orphans, with practical support such as relief aid, livelihood support and community development projects.

Their vision is of a world in which every Christian who is persecuted is remembered and supported by other Christians. They pray for a world where there is no persecution.