"The project is going really well, but the situation is not good. The war was just about to end, but after the Turks entered Syria in October 2019 in order to Establish a security zone without Kurdish forces, are then escalated again. It's game time again, and violence is on the rise. It affects the whole country and increases the crisis. Before the war, a dollar cost 45 Syrian lira - now it costs over 1000 lira. There is hyperinflation and few jobs in the country. The government is slowing down western Investments, and the sanctions are not helping the situation," says Ares, who distributes the food and hygiene kits to Syrian churches, which then pass it on to those in need.
"There is also a big demographic problem. Syria is a patriarchal culture, where the men are breadwinners and lead the country. But now many of the men are Grafts Dead, At war at the frontline or fled out of Syria. Then the There are primarily Women back to work and carry the country. They learn that, but women can't get married either, because many Men are gone. So even if there was peace tomorrow, there would be a huge demographic challenge in the future of Syria. It creates hopelessness and depression in the country, because Syria has 1) a generation of children who don't always are taught in school because the school system partially has broken down, 2) a generation of women who can't get married because the men are Grafts Dead, at war or escaped and 3) a generation of elderly people who are not cared for by their children because they have left the country."
The food project
When the war was at its peak Highest, the whole world looked to Syria and the humanitarian problems there. The NGOs sent food and medicine into the country to help Syrians. Now that help is subsided, and there is great mangle on food and medicine.
"Syrians are incredibly dependent on The food and the supplies coming into the country. For people can Do not buy it - Grafts because they can't afford it, or because it cannot be obtained. The project, supported by the donors of the Danish European Mission, is vital for so many people in Syria. Because without the food parcels, they won't eat. - Or they're not eating enough. The whole country is just trying to survive right now, and dThat's why it's so important that the project continues."
Churches challenged by emigration
The hunt for food sends many Muslims into the church, where there often help is at hand from the Christians who have remained in Syria. Mange Christians have left the country, but several Syrian pastors say that some churches are still filling up for services. Now it is just not Christian from Christian families, who are in the majoritybut converts from Islam. "The Christian population that has been in the country for a long timeare disappearing because they don't feel there is a future for them. They fear for their safety, want to give their children an education that Syria cannot offer, And they can't find jobs. Among others. Poland and Slovakia has given Christian Syrians an open door to Europe and Frozenand the Help to emigrate. This has led to an exodus of Christian Syrians since the war started," he explains.
Muslims have seen the love and compassion of Christians and churches, and they are now taking the places left behind by the emigrated Christians.
Ares works closely with the Syrian Christians in the country, and the Christians are under pressure. "There is a negative and fearful feeling in Syria, and it also affects the churches and the Christians. Several sites say the prieststhat if they leave their church, the Christian presence in that area disappears. They are the last ones. It's part of the picture in some parts of Syriabut at the same time there is also hope. Because in many Areas Muslims come in large numbers to church to hear the gospel. They are tired of Islam and have been disappointed by their fellow Muslims in the mosqueéThe people. They have seen the love and compassion of Christians and churches, and they now occupy the places that of emigrated Christians have left behind. It is a great joy to see so many people coming to faith. Kurds in particular have come to faith, and the Kurdish church is healthier than before the war. But the new kuntiredChristians are persecuted by their former fellow believers, and so we are working on to reconcile the converts with the old Christians. Trust is general is in short supply in Syria, and this is also true in the church, where The Syrian Christians shall be reconciled with The converts, as Can be former enemies and adversaries. It is not always easy to unite in the body of Christ as one congregation. It's a big task for the priests, but they work for it. De Christian leaders is however Pressed. The church has experienced a large exodus of leaders or future leaders and the remaining Managers are overworked. There is a constant need for help in Syria and there are major problems with stress and burnout of the Christianthat distributes the aid. They are on the front line and making a difference by daily To distribute emergency aid and help othersbut They give, give and give. You cannot work without resting or give without receiving. It affects the work because the leaders suffer from the lack of food, rest and spiritual nourishment. Pray for them. Pray for strength, for resources and for That God will raise up new leaders to relieve the current ones. Pray for the new Christians. Remember Syria. Pray, pray, pray. Do not forget us. Bed," he concludes.
