Dear Friends,

In 2016, Open Doors began the long-term initiative Hope for the Middle East. Our initial goal with it was to meet the needs of communities in exile and threatened churches in places like Iraq and Syria—to help keep the church in the Middle East alive and ensure these faithful believers were not stamped out by war, ISIS and persecution. 

Thankfully, we are beginning the fourth 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, be salt and light to their villages, their cities and their countries. 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.

As part of the Open Doors community, you have the unique opportunity 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 to Jesus.

As you write your Iraqi and Syrian brothers and sisters in Christ, please remind them of Jesus’ words—that they are “the salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” right where they are. Encourage them that the Body of Christ is hearing their stories … and that we’re praying with them as they shine their light.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Hope is dawning. Be a part of it.

Blessings,

*Representative names and photos are sometimes used to protect identity.

This is a digital campaign only. Please do not submit handwritten letters for this campaign. Please use the form on this page to submit your letter. It will then be translated and shared via Facebook with many of your persecuted brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria.

Writing Guidelines:

• Write in simple English and keep your letter brief.
• Be encouraging and include 1-2 Bible verses.
• As 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?
• 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 provide your first name, but do not provide your full name or address. Be aware your letter will be posted on a public Facebook page 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 connection opportunities like this, Open Doors offers multiple ways to get involved and regularly write letters to persecuted Christians in many countries. Bookmark and revisit here to check for new letter-writing opportunities.