SYRIA — Ani was horrified when her baby girl Maria was caught up in a bomb attack in Syria in 2014. In Ani’s survival story, Maria survived thanks to the prayers of the church – and Ani realised she needed to make Jesus her sure foundation. *Name changed for security reasons Ani*: “There are a… Continue reading Ani’s Syria Survival Story
Results for "syria"
One Year Since the Syria/Turkey Earthquake, Churches are Rebuilding
SYRIA — One year on from the devastating earthquake in Syria/Turkey in February, 2023, large numbers of people are still mourning, recovering or rebuilding their lives. Open Doors highlights some of the Christians who were directly impacted. Kamal – Latakia, Syria: It’s terrifying and sad to remember the night of the 6th of February. I… Continue reading One Year Since the Syria/Turkey Earthquake, Churches are Rebuilding
Help The Persecuted Supports More than 12,000 Impacted by Syria-Turkey Earthquake
TURKEY — Since an earthquake rocked the people of Syria and Turkey in February 2023 Christian charity Help The Persecuted has provided practical and spiritual support to more than 12,000 people impacted by the disaster. As a colossal earthquake rocked the Syria-Turkey border in February 2023, Christian Charity Help the Persecuted has provided practical and… Continue reading Help The Persecuted Supports More than 12,000 Impacted by Syria-Turkey Earthquake
MegaVoice, Galcom, and Other Ministries Partner to Bring Solar-Powered Aid to Turkey and Syria
TURKEY — As Christians in Turkey and Syria continue to suffer the long-term impact of the devastating earthquakes that struck last month, many nonprofit organizations and ministries are stepping in to provide needed aid. Galcom International, a radio and audio Bible ministry and MegaVoice partner, received an urgent request for solar-powered flashlights and chargers from… Continue reading MegaVoice, Galcom, and Other Ministries Partner to Bring Solar-Powered Aid to Turkey and Syria
Rapid Response to Syria’s Earthquake Victims
ALEPPO, SYRIA — Many people in Syria felt abandoned when they saw the response to help them was too slow following the devastating earthquake last month which left thousands homeless.However Christian charity Help The Persecuted was quick to mobilize their team to provide vital supplies as well as work alongside local churches to also care… Continue reading Rapid Response to Syria’s Earthquake Victims
CityServe Joins No Child Hungry in Providing Emergency Relief to Earthquake Victims in Turkey, Syria
BAKERSFIELD, CA — In coordination with No Child Hungry, CityServe International is helping provide meals and other essentials to those left homeless from the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria last month. On March 4, at City of Destiny Church in Apopka, FL, CityServe will be working with volunteers to package meals provided by No… Continue reading CityServe Joins No Child Hungry in Providing Emergency Relief to Earthquake Victims in Turkey, Syria
Hope in Syria After the Earthquakes: Pastor Ibrahim
SYRIA — In a recent video interview, Pastor Ibrahim from Syria discussed the challenges his community has faced following a devastating earthquake. In the interview, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing prayer during difficult times and fostering a deep relationship with God. Pastor Ibrahim shared how his church is helping the victims of the earthquake… Continue reading Hope in Syria After the Earthquakes: Pastor Ibrahim
Help The Persecuted Stands With Earthquake Victims in Syria
ALEPPO, SYRIA — Christian charity Help The Persecuted has mobilised field ministry teams in some of the worst-hit parts of Syria working alongside their local church partners to provide practical and spiritual support to those devastated by the recent earthquake. Their regional director Samar brings an update during one of their relief distributions in Aleppo.… Continue reading Help The Persecuted Stands With Earthquake Victims in Syria
Christian Community Credit Union Donates $5,000 for Emergency Relief in Turkey and Syria
SAN DIMAS, CA — Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) donated $5,000 to International Ministries (IM) emergency relief efforts for survivors of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, which was followed hours later by a second powerful jolt. Many buildings collapsed including hospitals,… Continue reading Christian Community Credit Union Donates $5,000 for Emergency Relief in Turkey and Syria
Christian Syrian Mother and Son Share their Earthquake Experience
SYRIA — Apo and Jina have featured in several years of Open Doors’ ongoing Hope for the Middle East campaign. Here, they share their experience of the earthquake and their hope for the future. Apo and Jina: I was sleeping on the bed next to my son. A mild earthquake started and then it got… Continue reading Christian Syrian Mother and Son Share their Earthquake Experience
Turkey-Syria Earthquake: U.S. Ministry SAT-7 Responds Instantly
EASTON, MD — U.S. media ministry SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org) is responding to the humanitarian crisis in Turkey and Syria following Monday’s catastrophic earthquake. SAT-7 USA president Rex Rogers issued this statement: “Our local channel, SAT-7 TÜRK, is offering words of comfort and strength to viewers across Turkey, and calling for prayer for families who are… Continue reading Turkey-Syria Earthquake: U.S. Ministry SAT-7 Responds Instantly
Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
SYRIA — In 2019, Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by extremists early in the Syrian civil war. Jina has been raising their son, Apo, alone since then – but she continues to be supported by Open Doors. In 2019 Open Doors visited Jina, whose husband Rober had been kidnapped by… Continue reading Revisiting Syrian Widow Jina
Syrian Alaa Finds a Better Future
AL-HWASH, SYRIA — When Alaa was displaced because of the Syrian war, he found a brighter future through a Centre of Hope, which helped him to establish a sawmill business. Alaa: “It’s an indescribable feeling for someone to be displaced, to lose his house, to lose everything he has.” It was 2011 when Alaa fled… Continue reading Syrian Alaa Finds a Better Future
SAT-7 Gifts Provide Learning Access to Syrian Refugee Children
BEIRUT, LEBANON — Five Syrian refugee children have received a new way to access learning from Christian broadcast ministry SAT-7 from the comfort of their home. “They cannot go to school, so we took school to their home,” explains Mostafa, one of the young visitors. Three Syrian boys from SAT-7 ACADEMY program Puzzle visited a… Continue reading SAT-7 Gifts Provide Learning Access to Syrian Refugee Children
Syrian Refugee’s Life-Changing Move to Lebanon
LEBANON — The civil war forced a Syrian, Jouan and his family to flee Syria to live as a refugee in Lebanon. But while there his cousin Pastor Nihad led him to faith in Christ. Watch his powerful story here. Jouan – Syrian refugee: “We used to live in a nice house. We had our… Continue reading Syrian Refugee’s Life-Changing Move to Lebanon
Centre of Hope Transforms Life of Persecuted Syrian Christian
SYRIA — Anwar, a Syrian Christian was persecuted and thrown out when he became a Christian – he didn’t have a home or family, but he had the incredible hope of life lived with Jesus. Thanks to Open Doors, a Centre of Hope was able to give him somewhere to live, and the chance to… Continue reading Centre of Hope Transforms Life of Persecuted Syrian Christian
Pastor Helps Syrians During Decade of Civil War
SYRIA — This month marks the 10th anniversary of the first demonstrations that sparked the Syrian Civil War. In that time, the Christian population decreased from two million in 2010 to under 700,000 today. Ten years of civil war in Syria have made life much harder for persecuted Christians – but Open Doors has been… Continue reading Pastor Helps Syrians During Decade of Civil War
Making Hope Visible for Persecuted Christians in Syria
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… Continue reading Making Hope Visible for Persecuted Christians in Syria
New Dangers for Desperate Syrian Refugees
BEIRUT – Triumphant Mercy Lebanon recently shared rising concerns about dangers being faced by displaced Syrians living in refugee camps in Lebanon.More than 1.5 million people have fled from the civil war that has raged in their home country since 2011.In mid-2015, the Lebanese government ceased registering displaced Syrians officially as refugees. Unregistered Syrian refugees… Continue reading New Dangers for Desperate Syrian Refugees
How an Evangelical Syrian Spoke at Harvard’s Commencement | Christianity Today
Following Turkey’s incursion into Syria on November of 2019 and establishment of a “safe zone” in coordination with Russia, the beleaguered nation faces another refugee crisis. According to the United Nations, 6.7 million Syrians have registered with their High Commission for Refugees. Turkey hosts the largest share, with 3.4 million, followed by Lebanon with 1… Continue reading How an Evangelical Syrian Spoke at Harvard’s Commencement | Christianity Today
Syrian Refugees Receive Critical Aid
SYRIA – Samaritan’s Purse is providing emergency relief to Syrian families displaced by Turkey’s recent incursion along the border. The violence has created a humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 100,000 people. Some have crossed the border into northern Iraq while others remain displaced within northeastern Syria. Samaritan’s Purse is meeting the desperate physical needs of… Continue reading Syrian Refugees Receive Critical Aid
Bringing Hope to Family of Kidnapped Syrian Christian
ALEPPO – Jina was married to Rober in 2011. Their son, Abraham (known as Apo), was born in 2012. Rober was kidnapped in 2013 in Syria – targeted because he is a Christian. They don’t know if he’s alive. Jina and Apo live in Aleppo, Syria, where they are supported by Open Doors partner Pastor… Continue reading Bringing Hope to Family of Kidnapped Syrian Christian
WCC Condemns Violence in Syria
GENEVA — As Turkey pursues its military operation in north-east Syria, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is gravely concerned about the humanitarian impact on the people of the region. It is reported that tens of thousands of civilians are fleeing from the first waves of the Turkish attack, and that hundreds of thousands of… Continue reading WCC Condemns Violence in Syria
Portraits of the Syrian Refugee Crisis
BARDARASH, Iraq – More than 13,000 Syrian refugees have embarked on harrowing journeys through the conflict zones in their own country to find safety in neighboring Iraq. Their first stop across the border is the Sehela transit centre where Samaritan’s Purse staff has been present to greet them, help serve a meal, and offer them… Continue reading Portraits of the Syrian Refugee Crisis
In Response to New Crisis World Help Provides Aid for Syrian Refugees
FOREST, VA — World Help, an international, Christian humanitarian aid organization, is responding to the crisis in northeast Syria following the recent Turkish offensive into the country. World Help is providing emergency supplies like clean water, food, blankets and hygiene kits to refugee camps where many are fleeing. Through World Help’s partners and programs, every… Continue reading In Response to New Crisis World Help Provides Aid for Syrian Refugees
Time to Rebuild in Syria: Abdalla’s Centre of Hope
ALEPPO – When life was at its hardest in Syria, Open Doors was able to provide essential support to more than 2,800 Syrian families. Pastor Abdalla stayed with them. Now that people are returning and rebuilding their lives, businesses and communities, Abdalla still helps. His church is a Centre of Hope, restoring independent futures for… Continue reading Time to Rebuild in Syria: Abdalla’s Centre of Hope
Refugee Camp in Syria Becoming Safe Haven for ISIS
AL-HOL, SYRIA – The refugee camp at al-Hol is currently home to 70,000 refugees from the Syrian Civil War. Contained in close quarters in a space initially occupied by 9,000 persons, the population now includes about 11,000 widows, wives, and children of ISIS fighters. Local and international authorities believe that ISIS is attempting to muster… Continue reading Refugee Camp in Syria Becoming Safe Haven for ISIS
Seeing Christ in the Syrian Crisis
The Syrian Civil War has been an epic crisis as the Assad regime attempts to retain its rule whilst ISIS rebels and others seek to wrest control as part of an attempt to establish an Islamic caliphate. About half of the Christian population has disappeared from the country either by death or diaspora. Yet, despite… Continue reading Seeing Christ in the Syrian Crisis
Don’t Forget Suffering Syrian Refugees, Implores Christian Aid Group
For many Americans, Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year” — but that’s not the reality for millions of refugees living in overcrowded displacement camps across the Middle East. Vernon Brewer, founder and CEO of the Christian humanitarian organization World Help, recently traveled to refugee camps near the Jordan-Syria border to deliver aid… Continue reading Don’t Forget Suffering Syrian Refugees, Implores Christian Aid Group
World Help Brings Christmas to Refugee Camps Near Syrian Border
“Resources are scarce in refugee camps around the world, and this is the most dangerous time of the year for refugees. Please help us help them.” – Vernon Brewer FOREST, VA — For most Americans, Christmas is a season of family time, gift giving and joy — but that is not the case for millions of… Continue reading World Help Brings Christmas to Refugee Camps Near Syrian Border
Syrian Humanitarian Crisis Continues to Deteriorate — Idlib in Imminent Danger
BEIRUT – According to the Thomas Reuters Foundation, “A Syrian army offensive in the rebel-held enclave of Idlib would have a “catastrophic” humanitarian impact and cause levels of civilian suffering unprecedented in the seven-year war, aid agencies have warned.” Joelle Bassoul from Care International said that a large-scale military offensive in Idlib would be catastrophic,… Continue reading Syrian Humanitarian Crisis Continues to Deteriorate — Idlib in Imminent Danger
55,000 Displaced Syrian Children Are in Danger
DAMASCUS – Hundreds of thousands of innocent people have been killed in the seven-year-long Syrian Civil War. An estimated 11 million people have been displaced from their homes, creating one of the greatest refugee crises in history. Over 270,000 people have fled to southern Syria during the month of July. The single largest displacement of… Continue reading 55,000 Displaced Syrian Children Are in Danger
Christians Concerned About Turkish Presence in Syria
Turkish Army Takes Afrin, Syria from Kurds AFRIN, Syria – Turkish forces have overtaken the Syrian town of Afrin, driving the Kurdish forces out. To most readers in the Western Hemisphere, this news has little relevance. Most us have no idea who’s who or what is where in the conflict in Syria. The situation for… Continue reading Christians Concerned About Turkish Presence in Syria
Syrian Christians Displaced But Helping Others in Need
Syrian Christians are part of one of the oldest churches in the world. They used to be one of the major political forces in Syria , until ISIS started coming after Christians because they believe in an all Islamic state, also known as a Caliphate. BBC explains, “The founder of the Baath Party, which has ruled… Continue reading Syrian Christians Displaced But Helping Others in Need
Syria Does Chemical Attack on its Own People
Heretiq In early April, Syria dropped chemical weapons on its own people. Even though no one knew who did the attacks, the United States government and other world leaders blamed President Assad for the attack on civilians. Some leaders called it a war crime. Per CNN, “World leaders expressed shock and outrage Tuesday at reports… Continue reading Syria Does Chemical Attack on its Own People
Syria Army Provided with Weapons to Face ISIS from US
CC BY-SA 2.5 US backed rebels in Syria have captured a key city of ISIS in May. Per CNN, “US-backed rebels said they ‘liberated’ the strategic Syrian city of Tabqa and a nearby dam from ISIS.” The United States provided weapons for Syrian rebels. This was a controversial move. Turkey said the US was guilty… Continue reading Syria Army Provided with Weapons to Face ISIS from US
16,000 people flee Aleppo, Syria in the midst of a war
Photo by Voice of America News: Henry Ridgwell At the end of November, 16,000 people fled Aleppo, as the Syrian Civil War between the Syrians and ISIS intensified. This left thousands upon thousands displaced. According to CNN, “Initial reports indicate that up to 16,000 people have been displaced, many into uncertain and precarious situations. It… Continue reading 16,000 people flee Aleppo, Syria in the midst of a war
Tensions increase as Syrian ceasefire ends in barrage of death and destruction
ALEPPO, Syria – A weeklong ceasefire came to a violent end as government-directed airstrikes pummeled the city. The attacks targeted a United Nations humanitarian convoy in rebel-held neighborhoods, killing at least 12 workers, while continued strikes killed another 70 and destroyed the city’s water station. The violence in late September heightened tensions between the United… Continue reading Tensions increase as Syrian ceasefire ends in barrage of death and destruction
Syrians turn to Christ in the midst of civil war
In the midst of a devastating civil war, Christian ministries continue to report thousands of Syrians are turning to faith in Christ. Numerous Christian groups and relief organizations are on the scene serving the Syrian war victims, and their work is having a dramatic impact. Indigenous missionaries are working up to 15 hours a day,… Continue reading Syrians turn to Christ in the midst of civil war
White Helmet relief workers saving lives in Syria
When Khaled Omar, a Syrian Civil Defense White Helmet volunteer in Syria, rescued a 14-day-old baby boy from debris following a Russian air strike, the world cheered and celebrated his heroism. The “miracle baby”, after being buried for 16 hours, was safe at last in Aleppo. “I thought I was being delusional because I was… Continue reading White Helmet relief workers saving lives in Syria
Christian Communities Living in Fear in Uganda
SYRIA — In Uganda, fear and attacks from Islamic ADF militants are increasing. But thanks to your prayers, local Open Doors partners are supporting affected Christians with trauma counselling and spiritual support. *Names changed for security reasons Edward Bamcwanira – Retired Bishop, East Rwenzori Diocese: We are living in fear. And whoever says there is… Continue reading Christian Communities Living in Fear in Uganda
Global Audience Hears Stirring Stories from Persecuted Christians During The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Event
BARTLESVILLE, OK — “Persecution is real, and it is biblical, and Jesus told us we will face persecution in this world,” said Pastor Hassan Abduraheem during The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Virtual Event earlier this month. During the online event, Hassan and two other survivors of Muslim extremism shared their inspiring stories… Continue reading Global Audience Hears Stirring Stories from Persecuted Christians During The Voice of the Martyrs’ “I Am N” Event
Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
NORTH KOREA — Longstanding Christian communities could disappear in parts of sub-Saharan Africa through a double blow of violent instability and authoritarian control. Christian minorities across east and west Africa face twin existential threats: violent disorder exploited by radical jihadists and autocratic governments backed by larger powers outside the region.This is one of the disturbing… Continue reading Open Doors Launches 2024 World Watch List in UK Parliament
World Vision Reviews Worst Humanitarian Disasters of 2023
SEATTLE — From the Maui wildfires to devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, along with cyclones in Mozambique and Myanmar, Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has been at the forefront of extensive humanitarian response efforts worldwide, supporting communities in crisis. In 2023, World Vision responded to 78 disasters and humanitarian crises in 59 countries around… Continue reading World Vision Reviews Worst Humanitarian Disasters of 2023
Providing Safe Shelter for Lebanese Families Displaced by War
MOROCCO — Just after the Morocco earthquake killed thousands of people and left hundreds of thousands more homeless Christian charity Help The Persecuted sent their team to some of the most hardest to reach communities to provide practical and spiritual support.
Help The Persecuted Provides Safe Refuge in Lebanon to Those Fleeing Middle East Conflict
MIDDLE EAST — As the war in the Middle East intensifies and the region faces a devastating surge of violence, Help The Persecuted is on the ground as their teams minister to those fleeing into Lebanon. Neighboring Israel and Syria, Lebanon is the most open country in the Middle East to Christianity. Many persecuted believers… Continue reading Help The Persecuted Provides Safe Refuge in Lebanon to Those Fleeing Middle East Conflict
Out of War: Girl Becomes TV Inspiration in Troubled Middle East
EASTON, MD — As a young girl, Christina Issa found a way to block out the horror of war raging in her homeland of Syria — by watching a faith-based television channel for kids, broadcast in her native Arabic. She never dreamed that a few years later she’d be a presenter on the same channel,… Continue reading Out of War: Girl Becomes TV Inspiration in Troubled Middle East
Relief From the Heat: Continuing Aid for Turkey Earthquake Survivors
ANTAKYA, TURKEY — Samaritan’s Purse is providing 21,000 units of refrigerators, fans, and shade kits to earthquake survivors in Turkey who are living in tents. The relief supplies are part of a project to help families combat extreme heat in the region. Bryan Dodson – Samaritan’s Purse: We are in the Antakya, Turkey, which is… Continue reading Relief From the Heat: Continuing Aid for Turkey Earthquake Survivors
Crisis-Hit Lebanon ‘Needs Miracle,’ Christian Media Ministry Says
EASTON, MD — Lebanon “needs a miracle” as the nation faces a deepening economic crisis, says a Christian media ministry based in the region. The Middle East nation between Israel and Syria has experienced surging unemployment, triple-digit inflation, a collapsing currency, rolling blackouts, and fuel shortages. “The Lebanese people are really hurting,” said Rita El-Mounayer,… Continue reading Crisis-Hit Lebanon ‘Needs Miracle,’ Christian Media Ministry Says
Life-Changing Livelihood for Persecuted Iraqi Christian
NORTHERN IRAQ — In 2014 when ISIS entered Mosul persecuted Iraqi Christian Namir was forced to flee the city with his family and seek safety in Northern Iraq in Erbil. But he struggled to earn a living to feed his family until he received help from Christian charity Help The Persecuted to start up his… Continue reading Life-Changing Livelihood for Persecuted Iraqi Christian