Syria (OM/MNN) — As Syria's bloodbath continues, the United Nations' human rights office now says almost 93,000 people have died in the conflict.
The toll doesn't stop there. Nearly six million Syrians have been displaced in the two-year civil war. While some have taken refuge in Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon, 4.25 million remain in Syria.
Each month, new stories come out of Syria and surrounding refugee areas relating the overwhelming need, heartbreak, and depravity of the situation people are facing. Large parts of the region have been facing drought, and with the addition of conflict, goods and services have dried up. Many are struggling to survive.
Operation Mobilization teams in the region are confronted daily with individuals who have lost not only their homes and possessions, but also family members.
Teams are overwhelmed by the needs as they encounter people who have lost hope. Workers faithfully offer aid and loving care. The Syria crisis has opened the door for many who would otherwise have had no opportunity to hear the Gospel to realize hope in Jesus.
With approximately 80 OM workers in the Near East field–Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq, this is a season of significant breakthrough, and there is a palpable sense of faith and expectation for what God is doing and will continue to do.
In this predominantly-Muslim part of the world, OM is seeing hope restored, communities transformed, and people following Jesus. This success though does not go unchallenged. Muslim-background believers still face significant persecution from their families, communities, and governments.
They need prayer for strength, as well as support for the community of believers as they navigate what can be a very painful journey and wrestle with issues of fear, faith and truth.
Please pray for the OM workers in the field to have wisdom and discernment to know how to respond to the needs of the people they are serving. Pray for Muslim-background believers to have the endurance, courage, and faith to stand firm in the face of persecution.
