At least eight evangelical churches in northern Syria have reportedly been closed by the Syrian government. The government ordered the closure of numerous house churches, claiming that they were meeting in places deemed inappropriate for worship. Many Syrian Christians, however, believe that the government's "legal" excuse for closing churches is merely a cover-up for a wider government crackdown against evangelical Christian activity in Syria. The closures are a devastating blow to Christian church communities in Syria, as many congregations cannot afford to buy a plot of land and build a church and so instead purchase apartment buildings to use as places of worship. (Source: International Christian Concern)
Pray for the members of these churches -- that they will continue to entrust the life and mission of their church communities to the Lord amid these challenges. Pray that God will give endurance, encouragement and a spirit of unity to all those following Christ in Syria (Romans 15:5).
Go to the Syria Country Report to learn more about persecution in Syria.
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