Written by: Open Doors SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Ever since the war started in 2011, Christians in Syria are facing the worst hardships. In addition to the intense fighting, bombing, and destruction, vulnerable believers face severe persecution and displacement.
Apo (10), a young boy from Aleppo in Syria, is one of many Syrian children who grew up during the war, not knowing the country before this terrible crisis. These children have seen horrible things happen around them, and even to their own families.
Apo lost his father nine years ago when he was only one year old. His dad was kidnapped by extremists when he was on a work trip in Syria – all because he was a Christian. He never returned. His body was never found but Jina, Apo’s mother, is now officially considered a widow in Syrian law.
New hope for the future
Despite their difficult circumstances, Jina and Apo have found new hope for the future at an Open Doors Centre of Hope.
Jina smiles softly as she watches Apo running around with a ball in the churchyard. He is playing football with some other children at the Centre of Hope in Aleppo. The walls of the buildings around them echo their enthusiastic voices. The laughter of all the children is touching. “He is a very energetic boy and doesn’t like to sit still in a classroom,” she says. Apo adds: “What I like most at school is the sports class. I participate in basketball, swimming, and football.”
Apo in the classroom
Excitement about Christmas
Apo gets very excited when he is asked if he knows what Christmas is about. “It is the day when Jesus was born, the virgin Mary gave birth to Him. Last Christmas we went to church and when we came back home, a man dressed as Santa Claus knocked on our door and gave me a present. I got a mountain car toy that climbs walls with a remote control, and an airplane. That is what I like most about Christmas, they distribute gifts… I am longing for Christmas to come again this year. When Christmas approaches, we decorate the house. At home my mom and I put up a nativity scene and a Christmas tree with lights, stars, and bells on it.”
One day Apo might realise that the gift God gave us by sending His Son to earth – because He loved us so much – is the biggest and best present he could ever receive.
Spiritual and physical support
Jina and Apo receive spiritual nourishment, food parcels, and fuel for the winter at the Centre of Hope. Apo also attends Bible study groups for children; and Jina is trained to become a beautician.
“Thanks to the support of Open Doors, we have hope. I wouldn’t survive as a widow without your help. You helped me to get this work. I pray that God will bless you and that He will open new doors for you to continue helping us in Syria,” says Jina.
Hope for the Middle East
The Church remains a beacon of hope for the Middle East. And thanks to the gifts and prayers of supporters, through local partners in Syria and Iraq, Open Doors can continue to strengthen vulnerable believers through the Centres of Hope.
Your financial gift today can also help support more families like Apo’s and make a difference in their lives. Make use of the banking details below to let hope continue and ensure a peaceful Christmas for children who are persecuted for their faith.
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Date published: 25/11/2022
Feature image: Apo and his mother, Jina
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