Send messages of hope to Iraq and Syria

Because you’re part of the Open Doors community, we invite you to support our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria by writing letters of hope and encouragement—letting them know that thousands of Christians are lifting them up to Jesus.

Each month, we’ll focus on a new theme as we write personal letters to our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria. Our partners will translate the letters into Arabic and then post some of them to a designated Facebook page. Believers who follow the page will be able to like, comment and share the content, giving them an opportunity to engage in Christian conversation with an online community of believers.

The story

In 2016, Open Doors began a long-term initiative called Hope for the Middle East to meet the needs of people who were displaced from their homelands or had returned to their communities after ISIS had forced them to flee. We’re now in the fifth year of this campaign, which seeks to encourage Christians as they continue to rebuild their homes and communities—living out the gospel in their homelands. We want to see the church in the Middle East rise up again!

The need for hope and encouragement is great. Christians in Iraq and Syria struggle to find employment and rebuild their businesses. Others are still displaced due to war and threats of persecution for their faith. And both countries are recovering from hunger crises caused by COVID-19 lockdowns.  

Current theme: Gratitude

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” (Psalms 9:1-2).

The Psalmist gives us a beautiful example of practicing gratitude during both times of abundance and in the midst of struggles. We thank God because of His faithfulness and not because of our circumstances. And giving God thanks helps us keep our mind and heart fixed on Him.

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23).

This month, let’s encourage our brothers and sisters by reminding them that we can never give God enough thanks for His mercies no matter what we are going through.

We are One Church. One Family.

Photo: 11-year-old Rafif lost her father in a bombing targeting Christians.

Logistics

This is a digital letter-writing campaign only. Please do not submit handwritten letters. Instead, we welcome you to use the form on this page to share your message.

Writing Guidelines:

• To assist in translation, please write in simple English and please keep your letter brief.
• Be encouraging and include 1-2 Bible verses.
• Because believers in the Middle East are facing struggles, you might want to share how giving thanks to God has helped you stay focused on Him despite your struggles. For example, is there a special prayer or verse that helps keep you focused on Jesus and His faithfulness?
• Please show sensitivity; please don’t dwell on their plight or share about the blessings of life in your country.

For Security:

• Do not mention Open Doors in your letters.
• You may offer your first name, but do not provide your full name or address. Be aware your letter will be posted on a public Facebook page and may be shared on social media by believers in the Middle East.
• Do not criticize a country’s religion, its government, judicial system, political leaders or religious extremists.
• Do not make proposals to help.

If you would like to participate in more opportunities like this, you can regularly write letters to persecuted Christians in many countries by bookmarking and revisiting our website.