Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: March 27, 2021
‘You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.’ – Matthew 5:13 NLT
This week we’re thanking God for the courage of pro-democracy activists in Syria, whose light shines in the darkness of a conflict zone that has claimed thousands of lives.
A few weeks ago the self-named Syrian National Army (SNA) detained five men, at least two of whom are Christians, in the town of Rass Al-Ein, near Hassaka in north-east Syria.
The five men were attending a dinner invitation in a home in Dwera village when a force belonging to the ‘Sultan Shah Brigade’ stormed the house and detained them. Naeem Malki, a prominent local activist who took part in the pro-democracy uprising of 2011, was among those taken, as was his uncle.
The men were beaten and accused of gambling before being taken to the police station in Rass Al-Ein for interrogation. The men have remained in detention since that time.
The SNA is a coalition of different Islamist armed groups loyal to Turkey which was formed in December 2017 and functions under direct Turkish command.
In October 2019 the Turkish army and its proxy, the SNA, invaded north-east Syria following a sudden American withdrawal. Tens of thousands of civilians lost their homes and were displaced inside Syria or became refugees in neighbouring Iraq.
Following the invasion, the strict Islamist rules imposed on the religiously diverse community by the occupying forces caused more civilians to leave the area.
#PrayforLeah in a CSW first – 24 hours of Global Prayer
Join us on 14 May 2021 for a prayer event like no other, as we partner with churches around the world to create a global wave of prayer.
It’s our biggest prayer event yet, marking the 18th birthday of Leah Sharibu, the Nigerian schoolgirl who refused to renounce her faith in exchange for her freedom. We are praying for Leah and all those like her around the world suffering for their faith.
In summary, please pray:
- That Naeem Malki, his uncle and the other three men would be released immediately and unconditionally.
- Thanking God for the courage of those such as Naeem Malki who continue their work for peace and justice despite the dangers.
- For peace across Syria and the entire troubled region.