As most readers are aware by now, there has been considerable celebration in Syria at the collapse of the Assad dictatorship. The rule of the Assad family, especially against any opposition, was extremely brutal and deadly. As time has passed since Assad’s ouster, more and more evidence has been uncovered describing the extent of Assad’s atrocities. Many mass graves have been uncovered containing hundreds to many thousands of corpses. More may be found. Records and evidence of those who were imprisoned, tortured, and executed have been destroyed. Finding and positively identifying family members imprisoned by Assad’s regime is nearly impossible.
This has been the case with many of the House of Blessing missionaries. Going back home to see what is left of houses they used to live in, and attempting to find long lost relatives has proven to be very discouraging. Those in HOB leadership positions, like Mufieda, Labiba, Ferial, Hafiza, Omar and others are advising people to come back to their tent homes in the refugee camps. At least in the camps, in spite of harsh conditions, they have some access to bare necessities and have a means of survival.
Many of the younger men and women presently have hopes of getting jobs with the new police stations, the newly forming army, and even government jobs. Omar added that there are still many cities that have not yet been “liberated”, such as Hasaka, Qamishli, and Manhaj. These are under Kurdish rule. Omar also said that there are many prisons in which there are thousands of ISIS prisoners. Will they be freed? That would not be a good thing!
Omar also reports that governorates like Homs, Daraa, Hama, Aleppo and Latakia are still being gone through by the new regime. Many remaining members of the Assad regime are being arrested and executed. There is much confusion and chaos.
In spite of everything going on, the HOB missionaries have a great desire to continue sharing the Good News of the Gospel. The mission field is great and needs to be harvested. They continue to joyfully trust the Lord to grant them security, peace, and their daily bread so that they can continue preaching and teaching about Jesus. Omar and those ministering with him are also excited to continue sharing the Gospel in both Syria and even northward over the border into Turkey. It is a joy for them to share the only message of true joy and peace to a population of people who have endured great afflictions. It is only Jesus who can provide a peace that reaches above and beyond natural circumstances. Philippians 4:7 reads:
“And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The House of Blessing is gearing up for the month of Ramadan which begins Friday, February 28, and lasts through Saturday, March 29. They are hoping to be able to purchase 600 Bibles for distribution throughout the month. As always, the needs are great but we serve a great God. Mufieda secured a loan for food to distribute among the poorest. In celebration of the fall of Assad, the man carrying the loan, cut the loan in half. HOB is praying to be able to clear this debt quickly, especially since Ramadan is right around the corner.
As we continue to pray for the House of Blessing, all of its leadership, and their entire Christian community, let’s continue to pray for their safety. I have some concerns and will briefly share them with those of you who have loved, supported, and prayed for the House of Blessing. In spite of the jubilation at the fall of the Assad regime, I believe there is a great danger lurking in the darkness which has not shown its true nature yet. Syria’s newly self-appointed leader, Jolani, head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) terrorist organization, is not the “moderate” he is presently representing himself as. Jolani began his military career with al-Qaieda in Iraq (AQI) under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. In 2011 he established al-Nusra in Syria, an al-Qaeda branch known for its suicide bombings, assassinations, and mass killings.
This man is a terrorist. The deceptive facade he has put up, wearing western style three piece suit and tie, is a deception, and it has gained him the cancelling of a 10 million dollar bounty on his head. His written goals after separating from al-Qaieda in 2011 were:
- Our aim is to establish a religious regime in Syria implementing Sharia law
- Unifying the rebels and overthrowing Assad and his supporters
- Protecting jihad in Syria
- Addressing the daily needs of Muslims in Syria
- Ensuring security and stability for all citizens in Syria
I have much more information but will not elaborate at this time. My concern, particularly for HOB is this: The HTS will follow through on its goals and after what’s left of the Alawites (the brand of Shia Islam Assad belonged to) in the country are expelled or slaughtered, Christians will be next. Jolani and his HTS, along with many other Islamic insurgency groups, belong to an extreme jihadist version of Islam. Think ISIS.
Let’s earnestly pray for the safety of the HOB missionaries. Let’s also pray that the missionaries have a miraculous harvest this Ramadan. It will not take long until HTS will direct their attention on the Christian community.
Thank You All.
Forever in His Service,
Jake