A message from our sisters and brothers in the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon states in part:

“As our Armenian brothers and sisters are commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the massacre inflicted on them in early 20th century, we watch with great sadness and are stunned by the news of Christian villages in the northeast of Syria being criminally attacked by ISIS, killing, kidnapping, destroying churches and homes, and causing thousands of families to be displaced.

“In the northeast of Syria we do have Presbyterian churches, especially in Hasakeh and Qamishly. We have been in contact with the pastor and some session members who said, ‘there are thousands of families who fled the attacked villages. We are trying to provide help with our limited resources.’

“Stories about burned churches, and kidnapping men, women, children, as well as priests create deep concern. What will happen to the kidnapped is a big question, most specially that there is a threat to kill them. O God Almighty please have mercy and intervene. Our hope rests in you alone.

“We as the Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon abhor all violence against the Christians and against any human being. We are trying to provide help in every way we can to ease the suffering and the pain of so many.

“We appeal to all who love peace and justice to cry with us to the God of life and hope for this tragedy to come to an end.

Our friends, please continue to pray with us.”

• Read the full message. [PDF]