Syrian Christians rejoice that several more Christian
hostages have been released by Daesh (so-called "Islamic State") this
month, but request prayer for the many who remain in captivity.
On 24th November ten Assyrian Christians were released by
Daesh (five women and five men). This follows the release on 9th November of 37
Christians (27 women and ten men). All those released were among more than 230
Christians abducted in late February 2015 when Daesh captured around 35
predominantly Assyrian villages along the Khabour River in Hassaka Governorate
in north-east Syria. Their release follows negotiations over many months by
church representatives. There is some lack of clarity about how many of those
abducted in February remain unaccounted for - a leader within the Assyrian
Church of the East has advised that the figure is around 135, while the
Assyrian Human Rights Network claims that 158 are still missing. In addition,
many Christians are understood to be among more than 200 civilians who were
abducted by Daesh in al-Qaryatain in Homs Governorate in early August, many of
whom remain unaccounted for.
Syrian Christians continue to request prayer for peace in
their land and for all affected by the ongoing violence, including Christian
communities. In recent weeks many have fled from the predominantly Syriac
Orthodox town of Sadad in Homs Governorate, fearing a Daesh advance. In October
2013 Sadad was briefly overrun by militants from the al-Qaeda affiliate group
Jabhat an-Nusra, who murdered at least 45 Christians and desecrated churches.
Syrian Christians ask us to pray that:
a. those who have recently been released will know the
Lord's comfort, healing and provision
b. all those who remain in captivity will
find refuge in God, know His strength and protection, maintain a faithful
witness to Christ, and be released soon
c. those displaced from their homes
will know the Lord's care and provision, and be able to return soon
d. violence
will cease, peace will be restored and the clear rule of law will be applied
equally for all in Syria
e. those responsible for the murder and abduction of
innocent civilians will know the Spirit's conviction of sin, seek the Father's
forgiveness and find new life in the Son
---------------------------------
Middle East Concern
URL for this prayer request: http://meconcern.org/index.php/en/prayer-requests/981-syria-assyrian-christians-released
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