Unquenchable Hope in Darkness – Druze community

In early July 2025, sectarian violence broke out around Druze villages in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda, in what locals called a sectarian cleansing campaign against the Druze community. At least 99-300 people were killed and hundreds were injured.

A sister from the House of Hope cried out that her community “has had Islamic militias attack our village. They took away all our belongings, but fortunately they didn’t kill anyone. This is mercy compared to the suffering of our Druze neighbors. Their families were not only robbed, but also killed.

At the Lebanese Nexus Center, a teacher’s family was trapped in the conflict zone. The family told us that they live in fear every day. There are women and children in the family.

In Syria and Lebanon, the Nexus Ministry serves dozens of Druze families and children in our churches and education centers.

The power of prayer: In fear and conflict, pray firmly – connect with God who controls everything.

Love can conquer enemies

The 12-Day War and the turning point of Iran From June 13 to 25, 2025, Israel and Iran had a fierce conflict. The military action of the “12-Day War” resulted in the targeted elimination of many senior Iranian generals, and the situation escalated rapidly.

Faith grows in the dark:

Iran’s “house” churches: Iran is the world’s largest Shia country, but Christianity is one of the fastest growing religions there. There are currently an estimated 300,000 to 1 million Christians, most of whom belong to “house” churches and take great risks to maintain their faith.

Iran’s “Manchu Qing Dynasty”:

The rule and tension of ethnic minorities: The main ethnic group in Iran is Persian (accounting for about 66%), but the largest ethnic minority is Azerbaijan (accounting for about 21%). This pattern of “minority ruling the majority” reminds people of the Manchu rule over the Han people during the Qing Dynasty, forming deep ethnic tensions and identity challenges.

From the “Headscarf Revolution” to Social Awakening

“Women’s voices are changing Iran’s future.” Since the “Headscarf Revolution” in 2022, Iranian women and civil society have shown unprecedented courage and awakening. They are no longer just protesters, but also promoters of reform, fighting for freedom and dignity for the next generation.

Iran’s Future

Your prayers are needed: Iran is at a turning point in its history – war, ethnic tensions, faith awakening and social change are intertwined. We invite you to pray for Iran and intercede for the churches, families, leaders and young people there.

The Nexus Ministry’s service in Persia:

The Nexus Ministry has only been serving in the Persian region for two short years. It all started with the obedience of Brother Jian’s family of seven, three generations. Two years ago, they responded to the call from Pakistan, where they had served for more than ten years, and set foot on the land of Iran. Grandfather, grandmother and youngest son Gillett migrated together and became witnesses of this journey. A year later, Teacher Li from the Bridge Ministry met a Chinese business couple who were led by God to Iran. They have rich pastoral and business experience and have become an important link for local service. There are currently about 2,000 to 3,000 Chinese in Iran, mainly engaged in business, engineering and energy construction. These migrant populations have become bridges for the gospel and allow us to see the wonderful work of God in the Persian region.

Levant believers pray amid war

“The sky was pierced by missiles, we bowed our heads and prayed for God’s mercy.”

As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, Lebanon is once again caught in the shadow of rocket bombing. On June 23, a church near Syria’s “House of Hope” was bombed. The threats from ISIS and the new regime are heartbreaking. Although we are powerless to change the situation, we do not stop praying.

Students’ prayers transcend hatred “They pray for their enemies and sing for peace.” At the Bridge Center, students prayed for non-relatives for the first time, and even prayed for peace for the Israelites. They learned Jesus’ teachings: “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) A student prayed loudly for those who had once frightened him, singing: “Peace be to the people of the Lord!” This is not just a song, but a testimony of the gospel taking root in his heart, and it has begun to change his family.

Parent-Teacher Conference: When Love Sprouting “You made us feel that we are seen and cherished.”

We held a parent-teacher conference, and the number of attendees exceeded expectations – not only mothers, but also many fathers. One mother said: “When my child came here, he couldn’t even write his name, and now… he has become a top student.” With a gleam in her eyes, she said those moving words: “You didn’t define us with prejudice, but made us feel the value and dignity of our existence.”

A father shared with tears: “I was alienated from my child until he started bringing small gifts home… He said the center taught him to respect his parents. He said to me for the first time: ‘Thank you, Dad.’ Thank you for teaching me how to love.”

The miracle of a glass of orange juice

“This is not just juice, it’s a taste of hope.” We held a freshly squeezed orange juice event. For many students, this was the first time in their lives to experience such joy. Their smiles were brighter than the sun.

“Their prayers are louder than war.”

Syria and Lebanon are located in one of the most sensitive and challenging regions in the world, but we see that the flame of prayer has never been extinguished. At the “House of Hope”, a group of women gather three times a week to pray for the country and the world.

In Lebanon, prayer spans generations, from children to churches, calling for peace together. “Their voices are louder than fear and war, firm, brave, and full of faith.”

Encourage you to join this journey of hope. The seeds of prayer are being sown and will bear the fruits of peace and healing. Invite you to pray, care, and walk with us. Because in this land that has been through so much, we can all be witnesses of hope.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Candy Nexus Mission

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