No one expected the events that took place in Syria in recent days. When President Bashar al-Assad left the country unexpectedly, Syrians rejoiced that his reign of terror was over. And yet, for Syrian Christians, both those from traditional backgrounds and converts from Islam, the future is terribly uncertain.

During Islamist rule earlier in the war, the Islamists treated Christians as second-class, charging outrageous taxes and putting converts to death. Now, Christians watch with trepidation to see who comes out in control of the country and how they will be treated. There are already reports from northern parts of the country where “infidels” are being put to death. It’s likely the Islamists will implement Shariah law, which would be much worse than what Christians faced under al-Assad’s regime. “Christians are in mortal danger,” an ICR field worker wrote.

During the initial wave of fighting in November, many believers were displaced. ICR partners have been rushing to provide food, drinking water, shelter, warm clothes, blankets, and hygiene items. “We are grateful that through our experienced local relief network of partners we are able to minister to these suffering people, also bringing them comfort and hope in the midst of their calamity,” the ICR field worker said.

This disruption comes during a season when pastors and Christian leaders saw an unprecedented spiritual harvest in the region of people coming to Christ and churches growing.

Please pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters. Pray for comfort during suffering. And pray that immediate needs will be met.

A local pastor told ICR, “We don’t understand Jesus’ plan right now, but we trust Him that He walks with us and comforts us with His presence, as we don’t know where to go!”