Two Stories of Faith in Syria

Raqqa, Syria

3 June 2019

Dear friends,

Here are two short stories of faith from Syria.

In Raqqa, the destroyed former capital of ISIS, there is a church ISIS destroyed, across the street from the playground Reload Love helped us build. On this trip, we put up two crosses in the rubble of the church and prayed. As I prayed, I began to ask God that this church would be rebuilt but, at the same time, a doubt came to me. ‘There are probably no Christians left here. And, who would come back? Why am I praying for people and funds to rebuild? It seems foolish.’ But I felt I should pray for the rebuilding anyways.

After we prayed I walked out of the church and a man came up to me.

“What are you doing here?” he asked. I told him God sent us to help and pray, and he said, “I am a trying to rebuild this church. I am a Christian. My given name is William. I was shot four times by ISIS but I brought my family back now. There used to be 5,000 Christians here but now we are 15.”

We were all amazed and prayed with him for help to rebuild this church. I said I did not have enough funds for that but prayed with him for it and told him I would keep praying and trying.

The second story is from a teacher, after we finished a Good Life Club program at his school. This school, in Dadat, Manbij area, is within sight of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and their Turkish Army support. The FSA in this area includes many Al Qaeda and ISIS fighters who shoot and shell the area regularly. In spite of this, more children have been coming back to school and the village tries to rebuild. Last year when we were here there were less than 150 students and this year there are over 600.

We did a children’s program here and I gave my testimony of calling on Jesus. I offered to give out Bibles and one teacher, named Abdulsattar, said right away, “Please give me one, I want one.” I gave him a Bible and gave to other teachers, too. Afterwards, we promised to help the school with the new roof they need. After we left I received this note:

“Hello Mr. David Eubank, 

It is teacher Abdulsattar from Dadat. Actually, I searched in the internet to know more about the FBR. I come to the conclusion that you are doing a great job. Yesterday I felt the love and compassion you are sharing. Then, I realized how the Americans have fought not only for America but also for the world! 

ISIS is horrible and has zero respect for human life. Thank God we have the FBR to seek justice and safety for all! May the Lord continue to direct your steps. May God’s protective hand continue to cover you, your team, and your family! Thank you for answering the call to fight for people trapped in dangerous, oppressive, and evil situations! May God continue to use you all on the field and in the media as His ambassadors of grace, mercy, love, truth, and power! All glory to Him! [I] still pray for you and your team. I look forward to the day we all get to meet again.”

These two men and others have inspired us to stand with and help the new believers here. Please pray with us and see how God leads you in this.

Dave, family, and team