PRAY FOR SYRIA

Syria gained independence in 1945, ending the French mandate. After independence there were multiple military coups until General Hafez al-Assad seized power in 1971. After his death in 2000 he was succeeded by his son Bashar al-Assad. Syria is a totalitarian dictatorship widely condemned for its political repression and human rights abuses. It is one of the most violent countries in the world and sponsors a multi-billion dollar drug cartel, which is the largest Captagon producer in the world. Since 2011, Syria has been embroiled in a civil war in which many different countries are involved. More than 570,000 people have died, with 90% of the civilian casualties caused by pro-Assad forces. There are 7.6 million internally displaced people and over 5 million refugees. More than 90% of the population live in poverty.

Years of civil war has created an environment where Christians are persecuted with impunity. In areas controlled by Islamic militants, church leaders are kidnaped or attacked to intimidate the Christian community. Most church buildings have either been demolished or turned into Islamic centers. In government-controlled areas, evangelism, and conversion from Islam to Christianity are heavily suppressed.  Christians who convert from Islam face pressure from their families and communities because their conversion is seen as dishonoring to their family. Converts risk being expelled from their family homes or worse.