Middle East (MNN) — Tensions are rising across the Middle East as a shaky ceasefire holds between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, yet Israeli strikes continue in Syria.
Samuel of Redemptive Stories says the regional situation is complicated, yet connected.
“It’s pretty much everyone against Israel, in one way, shape, or form. [Türkiye] is certainly part of that, and has always been anti-Israel, especially Erdogan,” he explains.
Neighboring Türkiye is now weighing in. President Tayyip Erdogan says regional instability could lead to more refugees and financial pressure.
“He’s basically trying to communicate that Lebanon is a sovereign nation, it should take care of itself,” Samuel says.
Erdogan’s comments also imply “that the effects of Israel’s continued attacks destabilize the region, including making it more difficult for Syria to stand on its own two legs,” he adds.
Yet hope remains. One Kurdish pastor recently told Samuel about the Gospel growth he sees among ethnic minorities.
“In the midst of all of this chaos in our region is an opportunity for the Gospel to go forth, and we’re seeing that, in the north part of Syria, among the Kurds, God is doing something special,” Samuel says.
“Many, many are coming to faith and following Jesus.”
Gospel growth
Samuel also describes Gospel movements among Syria’s Alawite and Druze communities following violence. ISIS, massacres, and attacks on minority communities have caused people to ask deeper questions and, in some cases, turn to Jesus.
(AI photo generated by ChatGPT)
Samuel says last spring, “There was a massacre of many people, some say thousands,” in Syria’s Alawite community.
“Now, in churches and homes across the coastal region of Syria, there are hundreds of new believers after all of that occurred.”
Later in 2025, Syria’s Druze community fell victim. “A brother was just there recently, and he told of over 65 people who have come to faith in Christ and been baptized,” Samuel says.
“It’s in that instability that God does something. His Spirit moves, and people are drawn to Him.”
Local believers are responding with boldness. Partners in places like Syria and Lebanon continue to care for neighbors and share the Gospel despite danger and instability. Will you pray for them?
“On all fronts, we just encourage them to be faithful in whatever task that is before them, the calling that God has put on their lives, and God will be faithful to bring about His good purposes,” Samuel says.
Header and story images are representative AI photos generated by ChatGPT.
