The civil war in Syria has left this once beautiful nation digging through rubble across its cities and villages. Food, water and electricity are severely rationed. Gasoline is rarely available forcing people to purchase it on the black market. Even possessing an American dollar is a crime landing you in jail.
But the real story, the secret one, is the astonishing way God is drawing Muslims to Jesus where they are experiencing His hope and love.
Many are having dreams of Jesus and are wanting to know more about Him. Others are hearing from Christians willing to risk sharing about their own relationship with the Savior.
Our Syrian leader, Farid, says, “I don’t understand how or why people are responding to the Gospel at this time. It can only be the work of the Holy Spirit! While our day to day life is bad, our spiritual life is becoming good.”
This move of the Holy Spirit can be seen throughout the country as 100’s are showing up for events presenting Jesus that were previously attended by small numbers.
Children are overflowing meeting rooms with the permission of their Muslim parents. They joyfully sing worship songs, hear stories about Christ, play fun activities, receive loving care and enjoy the food provided. Muslim Mothers are often staying to hear what is being said.
Farid is encouraged to see this tremendous response of the children and their mothers. But he also grieves for the enormity of the physical and spiritual needs that remain unmet.
He went on to say, “The war has created perhaps 500,000 orphans many of whom live on the streets struggling to survive. We are doing what we can to reach some of them. Many stay near garbage dumps to pick through the trash for anything to eat. I saw children going behind a small food shop searching trash cans for sandwich wrappers to lick the sauce off the paper. It is so heart breaking!”
It’s remarkable and humbling to see the tenacity of our Syrian team who continues to persevere through the most difficult challenges to bring the hope of Jesus to people desperate for physical and spiritual help. The Lord is blessing their efforts far beyond what they could have expected.
Would you remember to pray for them and the continued move of the Holy Spirit throughout Syria?
Perhaps you will feel led to take the next step to support this crucial work. You can go to our support tab and scroll down under “Purpose” to locate the Syria fund and make your contribution for which we are most grateful.
While the needs of Syria remain vast, the Syrian secret is that God is working powerfully throughout this Muslim nation drawing men, women and children to Himself.
