Pastor of Church in Damascus: 40 Percent of Congregation Has Fled the Country

A Damascus pastor says 40 percent of his congregation has fled the country. Pastor Edward from Damascus paints a sad picture of the situation in the Syrian capital. "The situation is very grim," he says. "There is deep sadness and much stress and anxiety." According to the pastor, approximately 40 percent of the members of his church have left the country since the civil war in Syria started 2 1/2 years ago. Imagine if 4 of every 10 members of your church left in such a short period—a major loss for every congregation. That is the reality churches in Syria now face, as the example from Damascus shows. People that have financial means and contacts abroad often leave the war-torn country. Pastor Edward knows that in his church, some members still are waiting for the opportunity to leave Syria. "They are still trying to find a place to go," he says. However, all the people that left didn't leave the church services empty. "No, we see new people coming to church," Edward says. "Many of the families that we visit and help with a monthly food supply come to our services now." Although there is no fighting going on in the central area of Damascus, in several suburbs fighting is a daily reality. No one can escape the distant sound of explosions and shooting. "It seems that there is no end in sight," Edward says. "Christians are like all other people—concerned for their safety and the future of their children." In a way, life goes on for many people in Damascus. People who work in the public sector still go to work. "But their income is worth less and less as the Syrian pound lost 75 percent of its value, which has caused huge inflation," Edward says. "After 2 1/2 years, most people are suffering economically and are traumatized emotionally." The pastor also mentions a brighter side. He says, "Church people are closer to the Lord and to each other." "The relief work through our church is still going on," Edward continues. "It is becoming more difficult because of the higher risk and the unavailability of materials. In some cases it takes us a couple of weeks to get some of the items for the food packages. "But thank God we have committed people who are still doing the job, and the relief package is still one of the very few good things that many displaced families receive. The visiting teams are still doing their wonderful work in personally touching the pain of many families and offering some physical and emotional support." The pastor is thankful for the support for the relief work through his church in partnership with Open Doors. "Thank you so much for your prayers and concern; we as the church in Syria appreciate your help and support," he says. Pastor Edward wants to stay in Syria. "My wife and I have a deep sense of peace, and we both believe that this peace is a gift from God so we can stay in the country to encourage our people and to relieve some of the suffering," he says. "We strongly see the hand of God in the church and with the church, which makes us want to stay. We believe that God will help us overcome the challenges that come on our way. We have a strong sense of responsibility and see it as a privilege to stay at such times in the country. Although we go through low times and some struggles, we trust the sovereign hand of God and His goodness." Taken from Charisma News Service

Prayer from Within Syria

One of our sisters in Christ in Syria has sent the following prayer concerns. "Appreciate being in your prayers since we choose to stay here in our country and have a lot to do among refugees. We visit, help, support and share the Gospel with them. We have a home bible study once a week in addition to prayer meetings. Our prayer requests are: 1 Pray for the peace of Syria and special prayers of protection for those who hold the name of Christ in Syria and serving him in pure heart. 2 Pray to have courage to continue visiting those refugee families although it is dangerous. 3 Pray to have wisdom how to share our faith. 4 Pray for those who lost family members and for traumatized people as a result of all this violence, killing, bombing, and kidnapping, It is so frightening. Pray for both the children and adults." Additional prayer concerns from our office: 1 Please pray that the USA and other external powers will hold back and not get involved in the conflict there except for humanitarian purposes. There are too many possible unintended consequences. 2 Pray that the evil one and his principalities and powers of destruction, violence and death will be bound and that peace, calm and restoration will come to this conflicted land. Thanks for your prayer support! International Prayer Council

Tropical Storms bring Manila to a Standstill

Tropical Storm Maring brings Metro Manila to standstill Since Sunday, heavy rains have poured in Metro Manila and the eastern part of Luzon. Tropical Storm Maring (international name: Trami) has aggravated south monsoon rain, leaving about 70% of Metro Manila flooded. Thousands of people living in low-lying and critical areas have been evacuate to school buildings and gymnasiums, and 162 flights were cancelled yesterday. The rain is forecast to linger for another day or two. As for OM Philippines workers in Metro Manila, we are all safe. However, Em and Marilyn Namuco have moved up to the second floor of their ancestral home due to flooding. Thankfully, Em was able to park their vehicle in an elevated area. At the moment, their community is out of electricity and running water as the floodwater has not subsided yet. The OM office is safe and dry, though the surrounding area has been flooded. This is a huge relief! Please pray that the rain would stop soon. Please also pray as we think how we could best help those affected especially those we have been ministering to. Jun Diaz Field Leader OM Philippines

WEA Asks Prayer for Egypt

The WEA encourages Christians to pray: for unity, for peace and stability, for justice for all, for wisdom and skill for fledgling democratic institutions, and for a smooth return to civilian rule. WEA had been receiving reports about the increasing despair of more and more of Egypt’s population under President Morsi’s government. Human rights and freedom of religion have been under attack. The economy has been deteriorating. The Brotherhood made many promises before the election, but because many of those promises have been broken, a high percentage of those who voted for them are unlikely to do so again. Therefore it is important to note that as a matter of fact, the military intervention is perceived differently within Egypt than it is by many outside. As we pray earnestly for peace on the streets, and for all those bereaved by the violence of recent days, WEA also passes on the following perception just received from Egyptian Christians, to further inform the prayers of the global Church: “The military had said that it would offer a "road map" for peace if Islamist President Morsi and his opponents failed to heed the will of the people – assuring everybody that the army does not aspire to rule and will not overstep its prescribed role. The military statement’s purpose was to push all parties to find a quick solution to the current crisis. The military "road map" for peace was prepared by various political forces and representatives of the Church and Al Azhar as well as youth and women. We as church leaders, hope to have a future role contributing to National reconciliation that builds on this road map.” And, as we pray for the nation, please pray for the region as a whole - especially for the appalling and violent situation in Syria. What happens in Egypt, the largest nation in the Middle East, has significant influence in the whole region as well.

Transform Outreach in Mediterranean

Today over 450 million live in the 21 nations facing the Mediterranean. It is the entry to the 10/40 window, and its nations are often on the headline news. In many ways this is one of the front lines of modern mission. 11 of the nations are found on George Verwer's top 40 harder to reach nations. Southern Europe is considered a tough place to bring the gospel- Even though it is the cradle of Christianity, many today have never heard of the real hope found in Jesus. But in a time where the Euro crisis is causing people to ask questions- we need to be bringing the gospel message. Cities like Athens are filled with refugees- 20% of Athens- about 1 million are refugees. The Syrian conflict has caused millions to flee and brought tensions to the neighboring nations. Egypt's streets today are filled with protests and violence and its outcome will shape the region. This region needs to hear about the gospel While everyone is watching history on TV- we are asking people to get involved! Transform 2013 begins in Rome on the 15th of July and over 300 from all over the world will join us to prepare and think through what it means to bring the message of the gospel to the nations of the Mediterranean. OM has been sending workers into the region over 50 years. As I write this, and new set of participants are getting ready to leave for Rome. For some, this could shape their lives - We are praying for 30 people who as a result of this event will get involved with the needs in the Mediterranean region at a deeper level. Prayer We are now asking for believers all over the world to join us in prayer as this group explores and is exposed to the needs; - For real impact in the lives of those who get join us - For many to hear the gospel or receive literature - For some to consider investing their lives in the region - For the impact of prayer to open new doors - For encouragement for the local churches who are involved Many thanks on behalf of the Transform leadership team, Gary Witherall you can find our latest stories on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/OMTransform

30 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD DURING RAMADAN

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During the 30 days of Ramadan (9th July until 7th August), Muslims will fast until sunset, not even drinking water, but at night they are free to eat and drink. Since 1992, a Christian action of prayer for Muslims during Ramadan has taken place. About 20 years ago, the world had about 1.1 billion Muslims. Islam was a little known religion in most Western nations, and efforts by the Church to share Christ with Muslims were scarce. Today, efforts have increased ten-fold and 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim world is one of the many agencies who have embraced the call to share the message of Jesus amongst the Muslim people. In 1997 only two church-planting movements amongst Muslim people groups could be identified. By 2010, however, over 1,000 baptisms and/or 100 churches had been planted amongst at least 25 Muslim populations in the previous decade. A major breakthrough happened in South Asia among the Bengali, where at least half a million people with a Muslim background came to faith in Jesus. In Iran, Christian satellite broadcasting supports a strong and growing underground church with thousands of house fellowships throughout the country. Several hundred thousand people of an unreached Berber group in North Africa also came to faith. The technological advance of the past 20 years has transformed the way in which the Gospel is communicated to unreached Muslim groups. Radio and satellite broadcasting to the Muslim world has resulted in millions of Muslims responding to the message of Christ. In the Arab world alone, one ministry, SAT7, has a regular audience of 8.5 million. So, what of the next 20 years? According to one study, 20 years from now the Muslim world population will be double what it was 20 years ago, with Muslims representing a quarter of the world's population. As followers of Christ, we must rise to meet this growth with a double portion of faith and love. Can we do it? Why do we pray during the time of Ramadan? There are two reasons why the 30 days of prayer is held during the month ofRamadan: . As a means by which Christians can identify with Muslims for a fixed period of time, and . to call upon God's sovereign intervention in the lives of Muslims during a time of the year when they are particularly religious. Praying during the month of Ramadan does not mean that we conform ourselves to the Muslim practices of fasting and prayer. As believers in Jesus Christ we disagree with Islamic ideas, theology and practice in several areas, but we place an emphasis on God's love for Muslims. We encourage all believers to cultivate a spirit of humility, love, respect and service toward Muslims. For more information, visit http://www.30-days.net/ where you can also sign up for the email edition, or download the eBooklet.

Persecuted Brother

This story begins three years ago in a small, impoverished village within Syria. OM partners with the local church to reach out to the village, providing food packages and Christian literature to an area that has been suffering drought for many years. On one of these outreaches Ali*, a devout Muslim received a copy of the New Testament and began to read. Over the course of the following two years the Lord pursued Ali through the Scriptures and the witness and love of the local believers, until last year, he committed his life to Jesus! In the last year, Syria has destabilized significantly. Fighters ransacked Ali's village, captured most of the villagers and took them to a military camp. The men and women were separated and Ali was sent to buy food for his family. On his return, all of his food was taken from him, except the milk, which was for his youngest daughter. The following day Ali was thankful to be reunited with his family, but the joy was short lived. He learned that his wife and children had been severely beaten and one of his son’s arms had been broken. The next day they were woken at 5 a.m. to pray in Muslim tradition. Ali refused, explaining that he was a Christian, a follower of Jesus. He says that it is nothing short of a miracle that he was not killed for this act of defiance. The fighters were confused and asked to see his identity card; it showed him to be a Syrian and a Muslim. Ali explained that he had committed his life to Jesus a year ago so they decided to take Ali to the sheik. The sheik ordered Ali to bow and pray according to Muslim tradition: “You will pray.” Ali refused, but instead took the opportunity to tell his testimony to the sheik and all who were present. The sheik, unable to weaken Ali's resolve sent him away and deemed him insane. The only way that Ali and his family would be released from the camp is if they pay off the fighters, but they have not money to do so. Ali was allowed to ask for help and so contacted his pastor, who gave him what money he had and listened to all that had happened. Please pray for our brother Ali and his family, that the Lord would protect and rescue them from their captors, that they would not fall ill and that the money that the pastor gave for their release would be enough. Also pray for all those who have heard Ali's testimony and seen his courageous acts, that they might be convicted of the truth and power of the Gospel. Pray for continued endurance and wisdom for Ali in the face of persecution. Praise God for his miraculous hand of protection on Ali’s life. *Name changed

Violence Overwhelms Iraq

More than 500 people were killed in Iraq during May alone. Although attacks were mostly Shia Muslim against Sunni Muslim, Christians have also been affected. Ten years ago Iraq had 300 churches and 1.4 million Christians; now only 57 churches and about half a million Christians remain, and these churches continue to be targeted. Iraqi believers have faced several bomb attacks, killings, abductions, torture and forced conversions to Islam. Those who haven't fled say they hope to influence their nation for the gospel, but many feel forgotten. CBN, 1 June;

Iran Presidential Elections Today

On Friday, 14 June more than 50 million Iranians will be voting for a new president of the country. They can choose between one of the six candidates for the new President of Iran. As the conservative ‘Guardian council’ always makes a selection of all candidates and they barred the candidacy of all real reformists, the Iranians don’t have a lot of candidates to choose from. According to an Open Doors spokesman Christians feel that there is not much in these elections for them, as no major changes are to be expected with whatever candidate wins. In Iran the ‘Supreme leader’ Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is considered as the most powerful man. The present President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is finishing his second term and according to the Iranian constitution won’t be able to run for presidency again. The new president has to get more than 50% of the votes on the first day of the elections. If no candidate gets the absolute majority on Friday, there will be a second day of voting on 21 June. The new president will be inaugurated on 3 August. PRAYER POINTS • Pray that the best candidate will win the elections and that there will be an improvement of the situation of the Christians in Iran. • Saturday the results will be announced. Pray that the people will maintain calm; four years ago violent protests erupted after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was reelected. • Pray for the Christians in Iran, many of them only can worship together in house churches. • Pray for the imprisoned Christians in Iran.

Hope Restored

Whether it is running a Christian bookstore, reaching out on a university campus or planting a church, OM Near East operates through relationships and, wherever possible, in partnership with the local church. The destabilization of the area, specifically with regard to the Syria crisis, has resulted in tens of thousands of refugees displaced into surrounding countries and countless more stricken by the turmoil within Syria. Each month, new stories come out of Syria and surrounding refugee areas of the overwhelming need, heartbreak and depravity of the situation people are facing. Large parts of the region have been facing drought and with the addition of conflict, many are struggling to survive. OM teams in the region are confronted daily with individuals who have lost not only their homes and possessions, but also family members. Teams are overwhelmed by the needs as they encounter people who have lost hope. Workers faithfully offer aid and loving care. The Syria crisis has opened the door for many who would otherwise have had no opportunity to hear the gospel to realise hope in Jesus. With approximately 80 OM workers in the Near East field – Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq – this is a season of significant breakthrough and there is a palpable sense of faith and expectation for what God is doing and will continue to do. In this predominantly Muslim part of the world, OM is seeing hope restored, communities transformed and people following Jesus. This success though does not go unchallenged. Muslim background believers still face significant persecution from their families, communities and governments. They need prayer for strength, as well as, support the community of believers as they navigate what can be a very painful journey and wrestle with issues of fear, faith and truth. Please pray: • For all those affected by the crisis in Syria. • For the OM workers in the field to have wisdom and discernment to know how to respond to the needs of the people they are serving. • For Muslim background believers to have the endurance, courage and faith to stand firm in the face of persecution. • That the Lord would continue to make His name known among these nations. • That the Lord would send more laborers into the harvest field of the Near East. Ben is an enthusiast photographer, blogger and writer. He loves listening to, experiencing and then sharing stories about what God is doing. He is currently on a six-week communications internship in the Middle East and is excited to see and hear what the Lord is doing in this region of the world.

Words from a Syrian Refugee

A human being has a tremendous ability to adapt to the most difficult conditions. They had to learn to live in Aleppo without water or food, and sometimes no electricity for days on end. They even had to learn to live with the sounds of explosives and gunfire that tore them from sleep at night. However, what a man cannot live with is the constant terror that paralyzes him completely: the daily fear that the bus transporting children to their school would be targeted by a suicide attack; the psychological fear that comes over you on Sunday when you go to church knowing there are groups active in your neighborhood who consider it a religious duty to kill as many Christians as possible; and finally the situation that at night you do not dare to go to bed because you have received reports about acquaintances and relatives who were surprised by a rocket that crashed out of nowhere onto their property while they slept; or what can happen when you spend hours in a long line at one of the few bakeries that still make bread. You never could have imagined that even the simplest of life’s activities had suddenly become dangerous.

Child Victims Of war

In the 1970s, Iraq was one of the best countries in the Middle East and North Africa to be a child, but after decades of war and neglect it is one of the worst. According to the Iraqi government almost 1 in 3 children have lost one or both parents and approximately 600,000 children are living on the streets. Child labor has increased (15% of children under 14 now working). By 2008 over 2 million children had been displaced since 2003. Internally displaced children are often victims of crime, exploitation and abduction. Each year around 35,000 infants die before their first birthday, Over 1.5 million children under the age of five are undernourished; around 700,000 children are not enrolled in primary school. Thousands of children have been maimed by the war and subsequent violence. Many have lost limbs but their families are unable to afford the most basic aids such as crutches or wheelchairs let alone prosthesis. The rights of many Iraqi children to be with family and community, in good health and in appropriate education have been violated by war. Going before the Father Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children, who faint from hunger, at the head of every street. Lamentations 2:19 from Jericho Walls International Prayer Network

Day of Prayer for Syria May 11

SYRIAN CHURCHES INVITE CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE TO JOIN THEM IN DAY OF PRAYER FOR SYRIA Most churches in Syria will unite in prayer next weekend in many places around the war-torn nation. This will be an extraordinary show of Christian unity in Syria, where the on-going civil war has claimed over 70,000 lives. Syrian Christians are asking their brothers and sisters around the world to pray and fast with them on the Day of Prayer for Syria on Saturday May 11. As Christians in Syria continue to suffer from the devastating effects of the two-year-old civil war including killings, kidnappings, homelessness, lack of food and shelter and closing of schools; they are also seeing that God's hand is at work as all denominations are joining in passionate prayer. "The Christian Church is experiencing a deep humanitarian crisis that is leading to the rapid loss of hope. In the face of violence and persecution, we are striving to keep our eyes on the Lord and seek His face for our country. Even in pain, suffering and death, God is using the Church to accomplish His plan." On Saturday, May 11, Christians from different denominations such as Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant/Evangelical are joining together in prayer and fasting to plead before the Lord for His mercy on Syria and an end to the violence. Due to the dangers of traveling in combat zones, Christians will be limited to local meetings planned all across Syria during this day. These groups will be meeting in homes, arenas and churches. Christians across Syria have asked that you join them in prayer on May 11. "Thank you for standing in the gap on behalf of the Syrian people and reflecting the love of Christ in your acts of worship." In Damascus, some of the churches will meet in an arena, but there will be prayer in several suburbs of the city. The entire Christian community in Aleppo and the surrounding area is gathering to pray. "This is a huge undertaking as a day of prayer with almost all denominations participating has never happened in Syria before," said a Syrian church leader. This is a fight for a nation that was one of the first nations in the world to be impacted by the message of the Gospel of Christ. They need us, the Global Christian Community to stand with them before God, to love and support them. Let us not let them stand alone. The Church in Syria is asking us to pray for: * The release of two Orthodox bishops, Yohanna Ibrahim and Boulos Yazigi,who were kidnapped April 23 in Aleppo, and many other Christians who are missing. * Counseling for children who have been traumatized by the ongoing violence in Syria and the return of peace to this troubled nation. * For the almost one-third of the Syrian population who are either refugees outside the country or homeless inside Syria. Please find a list of prayer requests bellow, directly from the Christians living in Syria. Thank you for standing in the gap on behalf of the Syrian people! • There are churches in Syria that have chosen to remain faithful to their responsibilities to reach out, despite the war. Pray for these churches. • Pray also for the churches involved in relief work to needy families and refugees: prices for groceries and other necessities rose to an ‘unbelievable level’, a pastor wrote. • There are limited quantities of food and other materials in Syria. Medication, for example, is in short supply. Pray for the Syrians that lack the medicine they need for their health. A contact reported, “A man in Aleppo saw his wife die, because he couldn't find the medicine she needed.” • Pray for women and children who always bear the brunt of war. Pray for mercy on Syrian refugees and internally displaced people as they faced a cold winter without any means of heating their homes as a result of the civil war, if having a home at all. They will be glad to anticipate the warmer summer days ahead. • Pray that the Word of God will continue to be delivered. Transportation is really difficult so pray for safety as Christian materials are being sent throughout the country. Please pray for the people that received a Bible; may the Word of God bring comfort and change their lives. • In this time of despair contacts in Syria notice that people search for the foundation in their lives; some Christians rediscover Jesus as the rock, but also Muslims discover the hope in the Gospel of Jesus and experience love from the Syrian churches. Pray for all the people who are receiving Christ during the crises in Syria. One example is sister A. in Aleppo. We cannot share her real name, but pray that the Lord will confirm His love for her. • Pray that Syrian church leaders will find their comfort in the Lord and will also find the courage to stay in Syria to teach and take care of their flocks. May the Holy Spirit encourage and keep them and position strong Christians alongside them.