The Latest News from Our Partners in Syria
Rev. Tim McCalmont PLR retired pastor and moderator/member of the Syria-Lebanon Partnership network
Written by Tim McCalmont
The recent happenings in the Middle East, particularly in Syria over the past two weeks, has given many of us alarm over the state of our brothers and sisters in the country this Advent season.
You are probably aware of the removal of the Assad regime in the past ten days and the takeover by the rebel group HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) and its leader Abu-Mohammad Jolani, who had previously been known to be part of the violent extremist groups al-Qaeda and Al-Nusra. Though Jolani has since broken with the extremists publicly, he has remained on the terrorist list of the United States and the United Nations to this day. The speed at which the takeovers of Aleppo and Damascus took place was stunning and it moved from there so quickly, without much resistance at all as it expanded across the country.
With the escape of President Bashar al-Assad and his government, the situation has left the country in a state of confusion and chaos, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Though most seem pleased to see the Assad gone, they live in fear and uncertainty. However, it seems the rebels have entered with a new strategy, that being to build a “new Syria,” one more inclusive and tolerant of minorities, which includes the Christians.
As the people of Syria wait, they are anxious to see what will happen next. Intentions must play out into actions and until they do, they can only pray and hope. The HTS and Jolani are very open and supportive of the church in the cities they have taken. In Aleppo, the rebels are even taking time to meet with church leaders from the various denominations, to reassure them all will be well and that they are welcome. Based on past experience, those I have communicated with are very cautious, but would like to nurture an optimism regarding what could possibly come of this. The leaders of HTS have recently met with church leaders and the bishop of the Orthodox Church in Aleppo and taken time to reassure the members of our Aleppo church of their peaceful intentions.
This obviously has triggered other reactions in the surrounding countries and will continue to do so in the immediate future. Much depends upon how the Trump administration responds. From our point of view, should this trend of behavior on the part of the victorious rebels continue, this is a golden opportunity for western countries to show support as the people of Syria come together to rebuild their country which has been so decimated by the war that has consumed the past 13 years. It also can be a time of return and reconciliation for the millions who have been displaced or fled the country.
Please join me and our friends in the Syria Lebanon Partnership Network (SLPN) in prayer for this situation. Should you have any questions or you would like to donate to the relief efforts for our churches, or you simply would like recent updates you can check out our website or feel free to email me and I will do my best to respond promptly.
Many thanks to those of you who have faithfully prayed for our dear friends in the homeland of our Lord and the early church. Our prayers, especially at this time of year, mean so much to all of them. It has been such an enriching experience for me to meet and grow together with those who carry the cross of Christ in these two countries.
