Updates around the world: The Bible Boom
This week, we celebrate the BIBLE BOOM, as the hope of scripture reaches new eyes. Bible sales have increased 22% year over year, led by younger people who are purchasing copies and first time readers. We celebrate this opportunity for more people to know God’s love.
Pray for Christians in Syria
We ask that you join us in prayer for Christians in Syria, who are facing increased persecution after Islamic militants seized the city of Aleppo. Additionally, we pray for Israeli hostages being held by Hamas over a year after the heartbreaking events of October 7th.
Join us in praying over Ephesians 6:19, “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
Christians in Aleppo, Syria, are in urgent need of our prayers and support. On November 27th, the radical Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, linked to Al-Qaeda, seized Aleppo. The city is home to over 3.5 million people, including more than 50,000 Christians.
“It looks like we are now heading for another major crisis for Syrian Christians,” Dr. Martin Parsons, director of The Lindisfarne Centre for the Study of Christian Persecution stated. “Christian aid agencies need to prepare for a massive relief operation.”
From on the ground, Father Bahjat Karakach, pastor at Aleppo’s Church of St. Francis of Assisi, provided this update: “In the city we can distinctly hear shelling. People are afraid, schools are closed, and classes suspended amid a climate of great apprehension and even catechism courses in parishes have been stopped.”
