Pastor in Syria: 40 percent of Christian congregation has fled the country
The violence in Syria fills the headlines, but little includes the fact that Christians are being targeted by extremist and many are just leaving the country.
Now a Christian pastor says “40% of his congregation” have left, according to an article by Charisma News.
“The situation is very grim,” Pastor Edward says of his Damascus church. “There is deep sadness and much stress and anxiety.”
Pastor Edward knows that in his church, some members still are waiting for the opportunity to leave Syria. “They are still trying to find a place to go,” he says.
“No, we see new people coming to church,” Edward says. “Many of the families that we visit and help with a monthly food supply come to our services now.”
Although there is no fighting going on in the central area of Damascus, in several suburbs fighting is a daily reality. No one can escape the distant sound of explosions and shooting.
“It seems that there is no end in sight,” Edward says. “Christians are like all other people—concerned for their safety and the future of their children.”
In a way, life goes on for many people in Damascus. People who work in the public sector still go to work.
“But their income is worth less and less as the Syrian pound lost 75 percent of its value, which has caused huge inflation,” Edward says. “After 2 1/2 years, most people are suffering economically and are traumatized emotionally.”
The pastor also mentions a brighter side. He says, “Church people are closer to the Lord and to each other.”
Check out the full report here