Below is an article from Open Doors USA about Christian churches that remain in Syria. How can people stay in such an oppressive environment? And, even so, how can they dare to serve Jesus?
You know the answer. We find it in the oldest book of the Old Testament; the book of Job. Here’s what Job said. It’s what motivates our brothers and sisters in Syria and it is what motivates us, here in our ever increasingly oppressive environment.
Job 19:25-27 New International Version (NIV)
25 I know that my redeemer lives, Â Â Â Â
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, Â Â Â Â
yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him    Â
with my own eyes—I, and not another.    Â
How my heart yearns within me!
As Bombs Explode, Syrian Pastor Makes Dangerous Choice to Bring Hope – Open Doors USA
Throughout Syria, churches have stayed open and become Centers of Hope–led by men and women of deep faith.
While you may think that churches ceased to exist in the region, through your prayers and support throughout Syria, churches have stayed open since the war started. Led by men and women of deep faith like Father Abdallah and his wife, Aghna, several churches have even turned their buildings (or rented new spaces) into Centers of Hope where they can feed the hungry, dress the needy, comfort the weeping and share the gospel. Below, Pastor Abdallah looks back at the last eight years and shares what’s happening now.Learn more here:
As Bombs Explode, Syrian Pastor Makes Dangerous Choice to Bring Hope – Open Doors USA April 2, 2019 byLindy Lowry in Middle East, Stories of Persecution