Praying for Rojava and the Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria
Northern Syria, known as the predominantly Kurdish region of Syria, has been in the spotlight over the last few years as Turkey, Russia, and Iran all vie for control of this strategic part of Mesopotamia. While the target of late of Turkey’s autocratic ruler, the region is also the home to Assyrian Christians, Yazidis, and Arabs. Since the fall of ISIS to Allied forces, many Islamic prisoners are also being held in this region in coordination with U.S. troops. The current crisis began after a recent bomb attack in November in Istanbul. Article by BBC “Istanbul: Six dead, dozens wounded in Turkey explosion” (November 14, 2022)
Turkey accused the PKK and the AANES of tacit involvement, even though the Kurds have openly stated that they had nothing to do with the attack.
What’s happening right now?
In a recent podcast by Al-Monitor’s Amberin Zaman, she spoke with David Eubanks, the director of Free Burma Rangers, about the situation in Northern Syria. The Free Burma Rangers are a relief group that operates in conflict zones in the Middle East and around the world. The interview gives some good on-ground information about the situation faced by the residents in the region as Turkey prepares to invade once again, targeting the predominantly Kurdish area for its proposed support of the separatist PKK Kurdish party from Turkey. Please take the time to listen to this very important podcast which can be accessed here titled “American aid volunteer David Eubank says Syrian Kurds feel even more betrayed by US in wake of Turkey’s most recent attacked” by Al Monitor (November 28, 2022)
Over the last number of years, first with the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 and then after ISIS was defeated in 2017, the AANES gave access to Christian Relief groups, which have been active in the area for some time. With the religious freedom in the area, both discipleship programs and Church planting were established, and there was significant fruit in the area. In addition, several groups visited the region as part of Derech Avraham some years ago. However, one of the biggest challenges for residents of the regions is the repeated incursions by the Turkish Military and its proxy Islamic groups, bringing fear and upsetting any semblance of everyday life. Some are now concerned that there could be a potential genocide in this area:https://stream.org/turkeys-latest-genocidal-campaign-on-christians-and-other-minorities/
How to pray for Syria:
- Pray for small churches and believing communities – During this time of uncertainty and fear, pray that the small churches in this area will be a witness with their boldness and love for all people. Pray they would experience God’s intervention and supernatural protection and that ‘they would not forsake the gathering together,’ even under threat, ‘and stir one another up to love and good works.’ Hebrews 10.24,25.
- Pray for Christian Relief Groups – like the Free Burma Rangers, mentioned above, working in the area, they would experience divine protection as they put their lives at risk and for opportunities to share their faith with those they are serving and those in areas of authority in the region.
- Pray for those in authority in AANES, Turkey, and Syria – pray for those in power on all sides of the conflict that they would govern justly, without corruption, and seek to genuinely care for all ethnic groups of the area Arabs, Kurds, Turks, Assyrians, Yezidis (and specifically the minorities). That there would be a bold and clear witness for the Gospel, and that many who would come to faith in the Yeshua and the God of the Bible.
- Pray for those in international leadership – especially in the U.S. and Europe, that they would not forsake the Kurds again. That they would stand firm against threats from Middle Eastern Leaders who would allow the Kurds to be made a scapegoat in the midst of the current crisis.
- Pray for believers in other parts of the Middle East – that they would remember the Kurds and this very important part of Mesopotamia in their prayers, the Highway that Abraham walked on and that Isaiah prophesied concerning in many ways began here. Let’s believe together for God’s promise that there will be a ‘Highway from Egypt to Assyria with Israel a blessing on the Earth!’
§