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SYRIA: THE FACTS

Learn about the facts of the complex civil war in Syria since 2011 and discover ways to help through prayer and support for the country, refugees, the church, and even the persecutors. Find out how you can make a difference.

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SYRIA: THE FACTS

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  1. SYRIA: THE FACTS • A complex civil war since 2011, involving anti and pro government groups, plus Islamic extremists (IS, Al Nusra, Al Qaeda). • The UN estimates 6.5 million people have been displaced, while more than 3 million refugees have fled to other countries. • 50% of these refugees are children. • Christians are caught in the middle of the various warring sides. Over 60% of the Christian population has fled. • 2000 years of a church presence in Syria is under severe threat.

  2. PRAY FOR THE COUNTRY • Pray for an end to the violence in Syria and wisdom for world leaders to know how to help. • Pray for now. The country is broken, many have left and those that remain are living in extremely unstable conditions. Ask for safety and that the various tensions between communities / sides won’t escalate. • Pray for the future. The situation looks bleak with extremists pushing agendas that are splitting different communities apart. Pray for a future where all people have a place and are respected.

  3. PRAY FOR THE CHURCH • Pray for many like those in the film who are risking their lives to stay in Syria to shine God’s love and hope to their broken communities. • Ask that Christians would play an essential role in rebuilding for the future, being an amazing example to all in the country. • Pray for protection and provision for all Christians in Syria, particularly Muslim-background believers who are especially vulnerable • Praise God that many are coming to Jesus in the midst of the conflict. Ask God to strengthen these new believers.

  4. PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTORS • No-one is ever too far from God. Pray that despite the inhuman acts committed by IS that many would come to know God’s grace. • In the New Testament, Paul a murderer of Christians, met Jesus on the road to Damascus, which is in Syria. Pray many in IS would have similar experiences, experiencing God and changing from hatred to love.

  5. PRAY FOR YOURSELF • Pray that you would say ‘Yes’ to God like Brother Andrew and take risks of faith in your daily life. • Think about the ways God is asking you to ‘take up your cross’ and follow him. Pray that you would be able to give him everything, no matter what the cost. • Ask the Holy Spirit for confidence, faith and strength to be like Brother Andrew, and those in the film, putting God above all else.

  6. RESPONSE: TEXT GIVING • Want to give to support your persecuted family in Syria? Grab your phone and send a simple text. • Text ODSS15 £4 to 70070 and give £4 which can provide a week of essential supplies for one person who has been affected by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You can give more or less by changing the £4 figure to whatever you like. • Your mobile operator will pass 100% of the text donation onto JustGiving. Donations sent via text will usually incur your standard text message fee. Please refer to your tariff for details of your standard text message fee.

  7. RESPONSE: SIGN UP • Want to know more about Open Doors? Want to do what you can to pray, speak up and support your persecuted family?Fill out the sign up sheet and you can opt to receive regular information from Open Doors. Adding your details means you will receive information from Open Doors so you can keep in touch with campaigns and prayer news, plus find out about free resources and ways to support your persecuted family.

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