On March 15th it will be 9 years since the start of the war in Syria. Around half the population of Syria has either been internally displaced (6 million) or fled the country (5million) (UN figures).
Around 900,000 people have taken refuge in Idlib in the north west of Syria. They have been pounded by bombing and airstrikes, resulting in untold injuries, deaths and devastation. Today (March 4th 2020) a ceasefire between Turkey and Russia has been agreed offering some respite to the thousands of refugees living in the open, or in makeshift camps. But without adequate shelter, little food and no fuel for fires, they are in desperate straits. Already children have died because of the freezing winter cold.(Sunday Times Feb 16th). No one knows how long the ceasefire will hold.
Turkey has encouraged some of its 3.6million Syrian refugees to try to cross the border into Greece but Greek authorities have denied entry, causing many refugees to be stranded without food or shelter.
Please pray for safety and shelter for refugees in these desperate situations.
PRAYER
Lord of all
We lift to you refugees and migrants around the world,
asking that by the power of your Holy Spirit, you inspire leaders of nations
to act compassionately to end the suffering of those in desperate need..
We pray for a lasting peace in Syria, for political gains to be set aside and humanitarian
considerations to be given priority.
We pray for hope and strength for fathers who are struggling to provide for the most basic needs of their families, for courage for mothers who have to watch their children go hungry and for comfort for small children and babies who are feeling the cold.
Loving God, you care for us and for all, especially those in need. Inspire us to reflect your abundant love back to those in need, guiding us in prayer, action and generous giving, in Jesus' name.
Amen.
