Until then, the Kurdish-controlled area had been a safe haven for Christians and other minorities during the Syrian civil war and the rise of Islamic State from 2014 onwards.
The Christians do not know what the Turkish presence will mean for their everyday lives. The person responsible for the relief project in Syria explains: "During the civil war, many Christians and other minorities fled to the Kurdish region in northern Syria. Here they have had extensive freedom to practice their faith. But they are uncertain about the consequences of the Turkish invasion."
He continues: "When Turkey invaded Afrin (in northwestern Syria, ed.) In early 2018, the Turks brought with them many jihadists who, with Turkish support, imposed Shariah rule in the city. All the Christians had to flee and Danish European Mission donors helped them to survive."
"Now something similar could happen throughout the Kurdish region. Under Kurdish rule, Christians were relatively safe, but now that Turkey has invaded the area, it is uncertain whether they can continue to meet freely and openly profess their faith."
Since the rise of the Islamic State in 2014, Danish European Mission donors have supported local persecuted, but bold, Christians in Syria to provide relief to vulnerable Christians and other minorities. The project manager says that the aid is breaking down the skepticism of the majority of the population towards Christians, and Muslims are becoming curious about the gospel of Jesus. He explains: "Christians have brought hope to their communities. They have helped the poor and made no distinction between Christians and non-Christians when distributing relief aid with your support. They make no conditions. Muslims see that Christians are helping despite the persecution they themselves face. They often ask: 'Why are you helping us Muslims? We kill you, yet you help us.' It's about the credibility and authenticity of their faith. Through Christians, Muslims encounter God's love. They then ask: 'Where is your church? Can we come and visit you?'"
Thank you for praying for Syria this Christmas. Pray that Christians will have the perseverance and strength to stay in the country and bring hope and help in this dark time. Pray that people will experience a Christmas peace that transcends turmoil, war and chaos (Philippians 4:7). You can also lend a helping hand to Christians in need and other vulnerable people during this time. It costs 430 DKK to ensure that those in need receive food, water, infant formula and medicine for a month.
