ISIL Issues Contract of “Protection” For Syrian Christians.
International Christian Concern has learned that ISIL militants have issued a contract between them and the Christians of the city of al-Quaryatayn in central Syria, that grants them protection of their lives in exchange for a tax and agreement to follow a set of strict guidelines.
On Thursday, September 3rd, ISIL published a photo report “The establishment of the rule of God on the Christians of the city of Quaryatayn,” Jamil Diarbakerli, Director of the Assyrian Monitor for Human Rights told ICC.
SOHR has reported that the Christians have been given a 48-hour ultimatum to agree with the contract or be killed.
SOHR noted that some Christians had paid the tax, but ISIL were holding onto their identity cards, thus preventing them from leaving the city.
The contract establishing “Dhimmi” (protected) status for Christians is something ISIL previously issued to Christians in the North-eastern Syrian city of Raqqa in February 2014, as they solidified their hold on that city. According to former residents of Raqqa, not a single Christian remains in the city.
- Pray for Christians in al-Quaryatayn, and across Syria. Pray for their protection, and for wisdom in how to respond to ISIL demands whilst maintaining their faith in Christ.
- Pray for Christians witness to ISIL, that their faith even in the face of persecution, will speak of the truth of the Gospel. Pray that many in ISIL will have life changing encounters with the living Christ Jesus.
- Pray for peace in Syria, Iraq and across the Middle East. Pray that the Prince of Peace will make Himself known to many, and restore life and hope to this region.
Isaiah 43 vs 2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you: when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Source: http://www.persecution.org/2015, http://www.ibtimes.co.in
