AFWIS joins OW in prayer for the Syrian Arab Republic, Asia

Nov 14: Syria

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Syria

Syrian Arab Republic

Asia

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 185,180 sq km
Fertile plain on Mediterranean coast; 60% desert in centre and east but crossed by the Euphrates River.
Population: 22,505,091    Annual Growth: 3.31%
Capital: Damascus
Urbanites: 54.9%
HDI Rank: 107 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 33 (45% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Arabic    Languages: 22 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	1,426,823	6.34	5.5
Evangelicals	23,663	0.1	4.2
Muslim	20,254,582	90.00

Challenges for Prayer

Syrian Christian minorities enjoy freedom and stability, possibly unparalleled through the Middle East. The Orthodox and Catholic churches existed since before Islam and endure still with many godly members. The majority are Arab, but there is also a large Armenian community. Christians are concentrated in the cities, but finding housing and employment is increasingly challenging due to discrimination. Their proportion steadily declines through continual emigration. Pray against this trend. Thank God for their longstanding presence and the wise leadership of the Christian communities, and pray that these communities might flower again. Pray for renewal in these ancient traditions.
The Protestant presence is small but growing. Most Protestant converts come from Orthodox and Catholic backgrounds. There is an evangelical presence in most cities, but rarely in smaller towns. Growth can only occur if more leaders (ordained and lay) receive theological and leadership training; the signs are that many are willing. TEE is very helpful in this area – pray for more TEE tutors. Pray that all believers might gain a deep desire to grow in godliness and outreach.
     For an additional 7 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Syria.