Send messages of hope to Iraq and Syria

As 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. They will be translated into Arabic and then posted to a Facebook page. Those who follow the page will be able to see, like and share the content, as well as comment and engage with others—thus giving them an opportunity to participate in Christian community.

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 who were rebuilding their communities after ISIS forced them to flee. We set out to encourage and sustain the church in the Middle East—particularly in Iraq and Syria—to continue serving God while facing war, attacks or persecution.

Open Doors is excited to report we’re now starting the fifth year of this campaign. We’re focusing on restoring hope to Christians as they continue to rebuild their homes and communities so that they can, in turn, carry out Jesus’ Great Commission by 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. Many of our persecuted brothers and sisters in both Iraq and Syria are struggling to find employment and rebuild their businesses. Others are still displaced due to war and threats of persecution for their faith. Iraq has recently experienced deadly political protests against the government while northern Syria continues to recover after the Turkish incursion in late 2019.

Current theme: God’s protection

Our brothers and sisters in the Middle East have experienced and still experience times of vulnerability and need for God’s protection. Physical and emotional health often hang in the balance as they continue to live in areas of war and unrest. Throughout Scripture, we find God’s promises of protection during crisis:

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalms 91:4).

 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

This month, as you write to your brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria, please share how you have personally experienced God’s protection in your life. Encourage them by sharing examples of God’s faithfulness! Let them know they’re not alone.

Hope is dawning in the Middle East. As followers of Jesus, we’ve been called to stand with His Church. Thank you for playing a part in what is happening there in the birthplace of our faith.

One Church. One Family.

Photo: Basil benefits from a micro loan in Iraq.

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. It will then be translated and posted in a closed Facebook group for many of your persecuted brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria.

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 you deal with personal (spiritual) struggles. For example, is there a special prayer or verse that helps you when you feel fear?
• 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 or religious extremists, its government, judicial system, or political leaders.
• 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.