Pray for Aleppo

A call has gone out from Christians in Aleppo the second largest city in Syria to fellow Christians across the world to join with them in praying for their city and their country this Sunday, May 8th
Over the last week fighting between troops loyal to the Syrian regime and rebel foces have led to the deaths of some 300 people in Aleppo, as well as to a hospital being hit. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-36202438.
Open Doors has issued the following prayer points as well as some words from local Christians.
You can read more at http://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/stories/syria_160504.php?ref=lnstorylnk

PLEASE PRAY:

• Pray for an end to the terrifying bloodshed in Aleppo: Pray for wisdom for all decision-makers involved, that they work towards peace with every step they take. Pray for Assad and his government; pray for the so-called Islamic State (IS) and its leaders; pray for the other rebel groups and their leaders. Also pray for world leaders, that they will not close their eyes to what is happening in Syria.
• Pray for healing for those who have become traumatised in Aleppo: Men, women and children have been living in the horrific reality of war for more than five years now. Many have lost loved ones. Many have lost their houses. They have seen horrors that can't be unseen. Many are losing hope and feel depressed. Pray for healing for their traumatised hearts. Pray that Christians and others will experience God's deep love and care for them. Pray that they will trust in Jesus.
• Pray for wisdom as people decide whether to stay or emigrate: In this desperate situation, Christians and other residents are faced with the choice: to stay or to flee. Many people from Aleppo have already left. With whichever option the people of Aleppo choose, they will lose something valuable. Both staying as fleeing may be traumatising. Pray for wisdom in making this decision.

MESSAGES FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ALEPPO

Christian man, 26 April: "Yesterday, it was a bloody day in Aleppo. Many shells covered one side of Aleppo. Tens of injuries, 17 were killed. Slemaniyeh was hit as well. It is a Christian area. I saw on national TV that the people lost their temper and they are asking for revenge.

"There is a promise to continue the shelling like yesterday. The shelling started two days ago but yesterday it was strong. If it continues like this, I think we would witness another wave of internally displaced people."

Christian man, 3 May: "Today, the hospital where my wife gave birth to our daughter was hit. This is the best hospital for giving birth in Aleppo. It is also considered as one of the most important hospitals for infertility treatment in the Middle East. The total amount of people killed is 17. These are the numbers from this hospital only. One of the martyrs is baby, 1 minute old.

"For me and my wife, it is very symbolic. This is where my daughter was born and a place where new babies come to this world and new life begins. Today is full of death and destruction."

Christian man, 3 May: "University students are hiding in the building because their area is showered (with bombs). One of the students posted a selfie picture in the basement of the university with other students. They were not able to go outside."

Christian man, 3 May: "Some of the busiest streets in Slemaniyeh Christian neighbourhood are empty after what has happened. All the shops are closed. I heard from my friend that he saw just three or four people on a street that normally is crowded. I urged him to stay inside."

Christian woman, 4 May: "Would you like to know what Mary's feeling was when she was carrying her son's dead body?You can ask a mother from Aleppo. She has experienced the feeling of carrying her sons' death body. Would you like to know how what Jesus was feeling when he was carrying his cross and awaiting the time of his death? You can ask our children. They are carrying their cross and are awaiting their death.

"Even while mothers carry their children's dead body in Aleppo, even if so many children and others are awaiting their death time. The truth is that JESUS HAS RISEN.

"So now we are asking you to join us in an international prayer and fasting day for Aleppo. We are refusing to see the death any more in Syria - Aleppo especially - and we are declaring the resurrection of the Christ on our beloved country."