(Oneida, NY – Oct. 2015) Area churches will all be joining together in a night of Christian unity during an area-wide candlelight prayer service on behalf of Syrian refugees to be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Oneida on Wednesday Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
According to community organizers, since the start of the Syrian civil war more than 700,000 Christians have left Syria fleeing to other countries for fear of their life simply for their unwavering Christian faith. What began as a popular uprising with demands for political change has increasingly developed into a ‘caliphate’ towards our Christian brothers and sisters. Sadly, these individuals of faith are frequently attacked, abducted and killed.
Michael Yeoman, one of the organizers for this service said that Christians fleeing Syria are in need of help, prayers and actions.
“With some 9 million Syrians displaced from their homes, and 3.3 million living in refugee camps in neighboring countries, the Oneida area churches have an opportunity to unite with the global effort already in place to meet the physical needs of these refugees,” he said.
With the onset of winter, area churches are concerned about the well-being of the refugees and have chosen to use this service not only to raise awareness and offer prayers but also collect funds to purchase much needed blankets for these refugees.
Organizers say that this service will unite all denominations of faith in prayer for protection and provision for Christians in Syria who are especially vulnerable; For an end to the violence in Syria and wisdom for world leaders to know how to help; and to Praise God that many are coming to faith in Jesus in the midst of the conflict.
The First Presbyterian Church of Oneida is located at the corner of Broad and Stone Street and is accessible to the physically challenged. For additional information about this community-wide service contact the Presbyterian Church at 363-7590.