The news from Syria continues to be very disturbing. Peace efforts have failed and the UN Special Envoy, Kofi Annan, has resigned. The conflict between the rebels and the government forces recently spread to the largest city in Syria, Aleppo. Aleppo is the commercial centre of Syria and is close to the border with Turkey. The defection of the Prime Minister of Syria to the opposition movement demonstrates the level of division in the country.

Thousands of people are fleeing the gunfire, many are escaping to other locations within Syria and some are crossing into Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. The UN now estimates that there are over a million displaced people within Syria. Additionally, there are over 150,000 refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey (this number varies depending on the level of violence in the various parts of the country). 

The Christians in Syria are under increasing threat because they are seen as supporting the regime (it's a political and ethnic issue, not a theological one). However it is also important to note that there are Christians who support the opposition. The spokesperson for the Syrian National Council is George Sabra, a Christian. There are confirmed reports of attacks on Christians, and a significant number have fled and become refugees. What is known is that the attacks are not from the moderate Islamic elements of the Syrian opposition, who are the majority, but from extremist (salafists) elements who are growing in influence—just as they did in Iraq. The Catholic Church in Lebanon, through CRS, is providing assistance to thousands of Syrian Catholic refugees in Lebanon.

CRWRC’s desire and hope is to walk with the Syrian Church during these dark days. Some Christians in Syria have expressed that they feel abandoned by the Church in the West. Because of this, we have chosen to respond through the churches. Not only will churches enhance their witness, but their compassion will give them a place in society—regardless of what happens. This approach fits with our focus on transformation through integral missions—in accordance with the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.

CRWRC’s partner organization* has now established two channels to reach affected populations inside Syria with urgently needed food, medical supplies and other forms of assistance. One is in the Damascus area, and another is in and around Tartous (Tarsus) and Wadi Nasara (Christian Valley) west of Homs. Our partner has also just identified some potential channels in Aleppo that could be utilized to provide desperately needed assistance to those impacted by the fighting.

Please continue to pray for Syria. As the conflict increases so does the suffering caused by death, displacement and extreme uncertainty. Pray that the leaders both inside and outside of Syria will find a way to move towards negotiation and away from armed conflict.

Pray for the leaders of all religions as they attempt to influence towards peace. Pray for wisdom and courage. Please give generously so that CRWRC can increase its involvement in providing a humanitarian response to this conflict.

Gifts marked “Syria Conflict 2012” can also be sent to:

CRWRC US
2850 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49560
Ph: 1-800-55-CRWRC

CRWRC-Canada
3475 Mainway
P.O. Box 5070 STN LCD
Burlington, Ontario, L7R 3Y8

* organization’s name has been withheld due to security risks within the country