Hälsning från Syrien

För snart två veckor sedan kom den senaste officiella hälsningen från vår samarbetskyrka i Syrien. Lite sent lägger jag ut hälsningen här på bloggen. Den är dock fortfarande aktuell, mer än någonsin.

Dear Friends,                                                                                                                                                                                                    August 14, 2013

Once again I come to you on behalf of the National Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), to thank you sincerely for your prayers and support of our ministry among the Syrian refugees and displace. Also I want to update you on our new relief program launched as of 1st of August and also share with you some deep concerns.

After the special committee set the conditions, and finalized the special forms in July, Forms have been sent to all the churches in Syria.
a)      Some churches welcomed those forms and began working accordingly. Other churches trying to  make things easier for those who may think those are much detailed.
b)      August 20-24 there will be a training Seminar for all those who will be involved in relief, from all six locations in Syria and Lebanon.
We trust in our God for guidance so to be able to serve as many as possible. And also rely much on our partners who are serving with us.

There has been disturbing news this morning: news of today claim that the ancient convent of Saidnaya, in Syria, and the threats against all  ancient Syrian  Christian Sights. The convent is an Orthodox famous sight of  hundreds of years. And it is the pride of the Church. In its  neighborhood  is found the other Syriac Patriarchate, as well as other Christian sights. This is an area where residents still speak Aramaic. Please pray for God’s compassion and mercy. Pray for the Christian presence and witness.

Yes there is one good news to share with you friends. Our general Secretary has visited our churches in Latakia, and Banias, Syria. He led worship services in both churches, Saturday and Sunday. Met with the session members in both and visited with some displaced families. He reported that there are 60 displaced families from Idleb, Ghassanieh, Ghonaimieh and Aleppo in Latakia. The church there is involving all in its services and activities and all living as a large family. All those families have been cared for by NESSL. We surely hope to supply those to the church so to provide good service to the youth and children at a time when those need much care.
On the other hand the General Secretary was happy to see that the church in Banias is also sticking together in worship and in service. In this church beside others it is hosting two families from Aleppo. One man is a musician, who has taken responsibility of gathering the youth and having made a choir for the church. God surely works in mysterious ways to uphold His church. Glory be to Him.

You may know that the situation of the refugees is getting more tragic day by day. Syria is calling all those living in misery in neighboring countries to come back to Syria, at least they will be displaced but not refugees. And they will not be abused as many are.

On the other hand with the increased pressure on the Lebanese, as the numbers of both Syrians  and Palestinians coming to Lebanon, there are voices calling to close the boarders to avoid  more refugees, and an attempt to send many back to Syria. We as a church are challenged to find ways to help people having hope where hope seems to be impossible.

So our good and faithful friends, please pray with us, pray for peace, justice, and God’s mercy. Pray for a soon end to this tragedy.

To God be the Glory now and always.

…………………………..

Ulrika Morazán
Samordnare Mellanöstern och Nordafrika

• Dela