ICC Note: A displaced Syrian Christian living in the UK is helping spread the news of hope and survival for Middle East churches. Originally from Aleppo, the Syrian man has good news about his church and its growth despite the ongoing civil war. According to him the number of Muslim background believers has grown significantly in Aleppo. He explains that God has a plan and is sure that the Church of the Middle East will survive and grow in spite of the harrowing circumstances in Syria.

11/12/2016 UK (Christian Daily): A displaced Syrian Christian who is now living in the United Kingdom is helping bring hope for the survival of churches in the Middle East after the mass exodus prompted by the violence in the region.

Rami, whose real name has been withheld for security purposes, is coordinating with charity Open Doors’ campaign called “Hope for the Middle East.” This seven-year advocacy campaign aims to maintain Christian presence in the Middle East and help mold the future of Syria and the surrounding region, the World Watch Monitor (WWM) details.

When the protest against the Assad regime began escalating in the summer of 2012, Rami suddenly could not go back to his family and friends in Aleppo. He told WWM that a bomb had almost hit his old church recently, and around 80 percent of his congregation had already left the city. In spite of the mass exodus, he said the churches are not empty.

“God has been very faithful. Newcomers fill the gap. Some are Christians from other churches, others are new believers with a Muslim background,” said Rami. “The way the church functions has changed drastically of course. It’s not secure to travel at night. That’s why all evening services and activities have been cancelled or changed to earlier during the day.”

For Rami, he has a reason to “Hope for the Middle East,” especially because the global Church knows how important it is to preserve Christian presence in the region. After an extensive consultation with Christian leaders in Syria and Iraq, they identified three main problems causing despair. These are discrimination from the government and other communities, dignity, and recognition of the Church’s role in rebuilding and reconciliation.

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