Pray for Endangered Syrian Believers
URGENT PRAYER REQUEST
Christians in Syria rallied to protest the Islamic regime’s persecution of believers in Jesus Christ.
According to Pastor Wes Bentley, founder of Calvary Chapel-based Far Reaching Ministries (FRM), radical Islamists want to eradicate all Christians from Syria, which has led FRM to initiate rescue operations of believers residing in the most volatile and high-risk areas.
The Syrian government collapsed on December 8, 2024, when opposition forces captured Damascus, leading to President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia. This marked the end of over 50 years of Ba'athist rule in Syria and resulted in the establishment of a caretaker government by the opposition.
Around the world, FRM offers humanitarian and medical support to the oppressed, poor, and persecuted, guiding them toward Christ's love and the spiritual growth necessary to transform individuals, families, and communities.
In his May ministry update, Wes stated, “Every day in Syria, on the radio, they talk about radical Islam, which leads to militants going after believers and churches. While the government pretends not to know what is going on, this is a plan to slowly eradicate all Christians and others who do not uphold the view of Islam in which they believe.” Wes estimated there may be 200,000 Christians in Syria.
Syrian Rescue Counterintelligence
“This month, I got word the Taliban were actively pursuing a family and had to decide if we could pay $60,000 to spare them from torture and sure death. They are Afghan nationals that were introduced to Christ by one of our Afghan missionaries serving with our Dutch-based sister organization,” Wes explained. “The family saw the difference in the lives of the missionaries and began to ask questions; ultimately through the love they were shown, they came to a place where they counted the cost and chose to follow Christ.”
Pastor Wes Bentley, founder of Far Reaching Ministries, previously shared the Gospel message during a mission trip to Mexico.
Almost immediately, threats started coming from their own family, warning of violence and even death if they did not deny Christ and convert back. The now-Christian family chose to run and hide. Wes added, “The husband contacted the missionary who had led him to Christ and told him they were in great danger of being found. He shared there was no money, nor ability to get work, and asked for urgent prayer as time was running out.”
“They want to kill us, and they are actively hunting for us right now.”
Wes continued, “The cost is very great in difficult rescue operations, and the men I hire put their lives in great danger; if they are caught, it will mean torture and death. And while the price was very high, I believe the Lord wanted us to spend whatever it took to get this family out of danger. For now, they are secure in one of our safe houses in Afghanistan but still a long way from being out of harm's way.”
Wes Bentley connects with a Mexican community during a mission trip, providing toys for all the children. Wes has a heart for those being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.
Here is the brother's testimony in his own words:
My family's journey in God's path has been one of the greatest and most spiritual experiences of my life. In 2018, through my friend, I was introduced to Christianity. His life had a profound impact on me. With love and compassion, he introduced me to Christ and spoke of His infinite love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity. At first, I had doubts and struggles regarding Christianity. But my friend, with patience and love, explained how it was not a religion, but Christ wanted to have a personal relationship with me. These conversations and study of the Bible helped me to open my heart to receive the truth, and I gave my heart to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.
This transformation came with many struggles from our family and society. We faced severe threats to our lives. Despite all this we held onto our faith in God, believing He is always with us and will never leave us. Because we have converted from Islam to Christianity, they want to kill us, and they are actively hunting for us right now. It has made my wife and I very isolated and afraid.
More information is available at frmusa.org
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