“You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
Christians have suffered greatly from the 13-year conflicts caused by Islamic forces in Syria. In particular, attacks by terrorist groups such as ISIS (Islamic State) and al-Qaeda have had tremendous impacts on believers in Syria.
Over the past 13 years, conflicts and the breakdowns of order in Syria have forced the majority of its Christians to leave the country. Christian communities appear to have disappeared in areas of Syria still under the control of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in Idlib.
However, even amid conflicts, Christians are serving the land with selfless sacrifice like Jesus Christ, and International Christian Concern (ICC) introduced the story of Fadi, who was sacrificed in 2016. As an optimistic, religious and energetic college student, Fadi was a Sunday school leader and served on the church’s media team.
As conflicts swept through the region and violence ravaged the streets, Fadi, like many other students, was unable to attend university due to the increased risk of militants. Even in his turmoil, he guided youth in Sunday school and used his media skills to inform the world of the reality youth faced.
Driven by his sense of mission and faith, Fadi used social media to expose atrocities committed by groups such as the Islamic militant groups ISIS and Al Qaeda. He fearlessly documented their heinous acts, including kidnappings, executions, and blatant disregard for human lives and dignity.
Fadi thought he would be protected from reprisals by fleeing to his remote village, but he fell victim to a brutal attack by Islamist militants during a routine trip to a neighbouring village to get needed medicine. His family received Fadi’s body which was severely tortured.
Accordingly, the media said, “Fadi’s selfless sacrifice reminds us of the teachings of Jesus Christ, who gave up his life out of love for humanity,” and “Fadi personally put into practice the truth of Christ’s words.” (Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. (John 15:12-14)
God, have mercy on Syria, which has been devastated by a long war. We believe that You will cause the martyrdoms who served this land with Your sacrificial love to bear fruits in Your time. Although most believers have left this country due to the intense persecutions that add to the suffering of war, may You keep the light of hope in this land through the remaining churches that obey Your word. We pray for the day when the gospel of Jesus Christ breaks down the centre of evil forces to come soon, and the love of the cross that overcomes all things will be proclaimed throughout Syria.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
