Living out the Gospel in Syria

Tearfund works through local churches to help communities realise the God-given resources in and around them. With Bible-based training, people discover the tools to reshape their future and lift themselves out of extreme poverty. This is exactly what Deacon Ignatios Mansour has seen happening around him.

Living in service

We’ve all seen the devastation that has swept across Syria over the years. But beyond the headlines, Aleppo is witnessing a flourishing spirit of community that’s making a tangible difference to the lives of local people.

Deacon Ignatios Mansour has seen the holistic mission of the local church come to life, living out the Gospel to serve both the practical needs and the spiritual needs of local people. And as more people lift themselves and their communities out of extreme poverty, we join together in bringing about God’s vision for his children – transformation to a life of flourishing and fullness.

Relationship building and community have been at the forefront of the transformation that Deacon Ignatios Mansour has witnessed – and there has been plenty of it.

Working together, overcoming challenges

When the people of Aleppo received Tearfund’s training to identify the needs around them, it quickly became clear that education was a priority. A surprising number of retired female schoolteachers decided to take their modest resources and free time to offer affordable lessons to the parish’s children. This gave children an affordable education and a means of income for the retired. This is just one way the community is lifting themselves out of extreme poverty.

This transformation is getting more momentum through the youth in the Greek Orthodox Church of Aleppo. Living out the ethic of the Good Samaritan, young people have begun to break down barriers and rebuild relationships amidst the changing social and political climate. They’re actively modelling the benefits of citizenship, humanity, and community to ensure a brighter future for people in Syria.

Understanding the needs of the community has led tradespeople to respond to the growing problem of unemployment. Working closely with church leaders and facilitators, skilled workers have started forming small groups to provide and advertise job opportunities. By advertising through the church, more young people are able to develop their skills, find job opportunities, and serve their community in the process.

What exciting and positive news to hear from Tearfund’s work in Syria!

All of this prompted Deacon Ignatios Mansour to share a verse that he felt summarised his recent experience in the Greek Orthodox Church of Aleppo:

Lasting transformation in Syria

People around Aleppo are seeing the local transformation, and it’s making them pause and reflect. If a community can see such an incredible transformation with what they already have, what else is possible? This movement of change is gaining momentum, and people are embracing it. Deacon Ignatios Mansour told us about a shift in the mindset of people. He attributes this transformation to Tearfund’s work through the local church.

‘It became a firm conviction that the programme, by God’s grace, is capable of making a difference and uplifting the community towards greater flourishing through the blessing of God and the truth of the Gospel.’ – Deacon Ignatios Mansour

It’s so inspiring to see how God is working in the lives of people in Syria. And this transformation is multiplying by the day. Rami Kaskas, Tearfund’s Regional Church and Community Transformation Advisor for Eurasia and North Africa, says: ‘The programme has deeply equipped Ignatious and helped him grow and shine in his service. By God’s grace, he will be officially ordained as a priest in his church within the coming week, and he has kindly invited us to attend and celebrate this moment with him. It’s a real encouragement to see how this journey is bearing fruit in people’s lives and ministries.’

We thank God for the transformation in so many people’s lives and communities – made possible through the gift of the local church and our faithful supporters.