Syrian evangelical communities have called upon Western Christians to join them in urgent prayer and fasting for the safe release of a kidnapped pastor, who is held captive by members of the Druze community.
In a report by CBN, the pastor, referred to as “Jacob” for security reasons, was abducted on Saturday by individuals associated with the Druze community in the Jabal al-Druze region, located to the south of the Syrian capital, Damascus.
As “Jacob” remains in captivity, leaders within the Syrian evangelical community have shared insights into his dedication to sharing the message of Christ and his role in the spiritual life of the church in Syria.
According to a fellow pastor, “David” (not his real name), who is familiar with “Jacob,” the young evangelist has committed himself wholeheartedly to spreading the love of Christ among the Druze and other Syrians across the nation. He has been described as having an unwavering dedication to his faith and a passionate drive to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
The urgency of the situation has intensified as Druze elders have threatened to execute “Jacob” unless a substantial ransom is paid. The ransom demand, amounting to 4 billion Syrian pounds, has posed a significant challenge for the Christian community. “If we sell the church, we will not make that much money to pay them for his release,” expressed pastor “David,” highlighting the dire predicament faced by the church.
In response to the crisis, the Christian community has extended an emotional plea to the Druze leadership, urging them to reconsider their actions and showing compassion towards “Jacob.” “I tell them today, use God’s wisdom and think about what you are doing. He is not your enemy. The Christian is not your enemy. Jesus Christ is not your enemy. We are not your enemy. We are here to love you,” stated Pastor “David.” “We are here to stand with you. We feel your pain. We feel what you are going through. But killing an innocent pastor will not solve your problem.”
The kidnapping has not only highlighted the vulnerability of religious minorities in Syria but also showcased the strength of unity within the Christian community as they rally together in prayer and fasting. Syrian Christians have reached out to their fellow believers in the West, urging them to stand in solidarity during this critical time.
People from around the world are joining together in prayer, showing how faith can bring us together no matter where we’re from. Even though things are difficult and unsure, both Syrian and Western Christians are demonstrating strong faith during tough times.