Aleppo, Syria: Hundreds of Christians Killed, but Hope Survives

As many as 200 Christians have been killed in rocket attacks on the Syrian city of Aleppo between April 22 and April 30. Many of the dead are women and children. The attacks left hundreds of survivors severely injured.  

Some of the rockets came from the Syrian state and Russian forces in an attempt to target rebel militants. However, many of the attacks on the Christian community are linked to Islamic terror groups, the BosNewsLife website reports.

One group issued a threat against the Christians on April 22 saying, "We will show the Armenians and the Christians who we are... We have been ordered not to leave any Armenians in the area."

The attacks have devastated Aleppo, leaving ancient artifacts and structures in ruin.

Yet in the midst of carnage, Syrian Christians are uniting with prayer.

The Barnabas Fund reported that despite the attacks, a major prayer gathering took place including several Syrian government representatives.

The unity and love among the Syrian Christians is attracting more Muslims to faith in Christ.

We're a big harvest, God is waking up a sleeping church," one Syrian pastor said in a statement. The Muslims who are "coming to faith are ready to die for their new beliefs," he added.

Consistent humanitarian aid is fueling the fire of hope in Aleppo.

Open Doors has provided over 50,000 people with food, housing, and medical aid.

"There are surprising signs of hope amongst the stories of sorrow and pain; some small businesses have opened, a new church has been planted, and more people are coming to Christ than ever before," an Open Doors spokesman said.