Christians organize mass prayer for refugees to mark 5th anniversary of Syrian civil war

Bonfilia Utzurrum Monday, March 14, 2016

| A photo full of memories during the Syrian Civil War. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah

March 15 will mark the fifth anniversary of the conflict that has engulfed Syria, a civil war that started from a protest for democratic reformation and for the dismissal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Tragedies in Syria have been in the world's eyes especially with the help of social media. The sad condition of Syria has touched numerous hearts of American Christians which led them to unite in prayer not only for the land of Syria but also for the innocent victims and the displaced refugees.

The brutality of the Syrian civil war is immeasurable, as neighborhoods are wiped out with constant bombings and other attacks. Innocent civilians are given the choice of staying and being killed, or running away and live a life of a refugee.

One of the United Nation's senior humanitarian officials has said, "We have expressed our horror, our outrage, and our frustration as we have watched the tragedy unfold."

More than 220,000 lives have been lost and many more have been displaced as 4 million Syrians left the country and are now refugees in neighboring countries. This has urged Christian groups to come together and hold a prayer campaign called #prayforrefugees which focuses more on the needs of these refugees.

Stephan Bauman, president of World Relief said, "While we may not all agree on the best political or logistical solution, any Christian can pray for peace in Syria; for protection and relief for those who are innocently caught in the crossfire; and for those serving the hurting."

Numerous Christian groups are now participating in the campaign #prayforrefugees and you can also give a prayer or two by visiting their website prayforrefugees.com for prayer sources or you can do it via Twitter by using #prayforrefugees.

Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission said, "As Christians, we are called to be on mission with Christ. Our mission field encompasses the most vulnerable among us including those fleeing from persecution and warfare. We should pray for gospel compassion for our neighbors who are in peril."