In 2015, when the civil war continued to rage in Syria, church leaders were brought together from across the Middle East by Open Doors Regional Director Thomas Adam*. “What do you need?” he asked them. “Hope,” came the reply. “The church and society need hope.”

It was then that the Hope for the Middle East campaign was created – a new vision to bring hope to the Middle East, starting with a petition to raise a million voices in advocacy for believers in Syria and Iraq. Countries that many Christians fled and where the minority Christian populations that remain continue to face persecution for their faith.

When more than 808 000 people signed our Hope for the Middle East petition, Noeh (pictured below), who was 12 years old at the time, was chosen to present it to the United Nations in December 2017 in New York.

Through your prayers and support, you helped keep hope alive for believers like Noeh, who has returned to Karamles with his family.

“Life is difficult, and it’s hard to find work, but there is hope here now,” said Noeh. “Our homes are here, so we’re back to rebuild and remain. Jesus brought us back here safely.”

This is what your support helped make possible:

• 160 Centres of Hope in Syria for Christians and Muslims alike
• 2 000 homes rebuilt in Iraq
• 126 Centres of Hope in Iraq, providing holistic support
• 1M+ food packages distributed in Syria
• 808 172 people from 143 countries signed a petition on behalf of Christians in Syria and Iraq

Thank you for helping believers in the Middle East to return home, restore their livelihoods and rebuild their societies. Believers in the Middle East are grateful for the prayers and support from around the world that have helped keep hope alive.

As the Hope for the Middle East campaign comes to an end, you can continue standing with our brothers and sisters in the Middle East through your prayers and support to continue to #MakeHopeLast in the region. You can help reach more believers with discipleship, livelihood support and the Word of God. So, if you’re able to give, please prayerfully consider giving to help them continue to stand strong in their faith and be salt and light in their communities.

 *Name changed for security reasons.