Syria (MNN) — Syria remains in the headlines thanks to clashes between government forces and the minority Druze. Evacuations begin as a shaky ceasefire holds.

Over a thousand people have been killed since fighting erupted last week. Samuel of Redemptive Stories says the Lord is moving among the Druze, but the latest conflict puts believers at an even higher risk.

“Before the conflict, there was significant movement [of] God’s Spirit in that space – lots of house churches meeting, growing together, studying God’s Word, and sharing with their neighbors. A lot of that will be stopped for this season,” Samuel says.

But who exactly are the Druze, and what do they have to do with believers?

“The Druze are a religion that is gnostic, which means only certain leaders within that religion have the whole understanding of what they believe as a people,” Samuel explains.

“That (knowledge barrier) has recently opened them up to connection with Christians, and to see a movement of God’s Spirit take place among the Druze.”

Syria’s new leaders are not friendly to religious minorities. Conflict of any kind between government forces and any minority group puts Christians at an even higher risk.

“Known believers in Jesus from the Druze community will face potentially additional persecution from the Sunni government, as well as the Sunni Bedouin community,” Samuel says.

As explained here, “The Bedouins are Sunni Muslims; they’ve been the enforcers, perhaps, of the current government in areas in the south.”

Ask the Lord to encourage and empower His followers in Syria during this tumultuous time.

“Our brothers and sisters in Syria continue to be bold and strong in the face of so much challenge, and yet they find joy in continuing to walk in faith and serve our Lord and Savior. Pray that God would give them strength to keep pressing on,” Samuel requests.

“Pray for those who have been directly affected by this conflict. May God provide for their needs, but then also provide His comfort and peace to them.”

 

Header image depicts Druze and Christian leaders in As-Suwayda (Suweida), Syria. (Wikimedia Commons)