A Century of Faith and Service: The Inspiring Journey of the Alliance in Syria

As the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Syria celebrates its century-long journey, it stands on the shoulders of heroes who paved the way. Their sacrifices and unwavering faith have left an indelible mark on Syrian society.

A small group of dedicated missionaries, led by Miss Mary T. Ford, planted the seeds of faith in the village of Kharba, Syria. This humble beginning would mark the birth of a remarkable spiritual journey that would span a century.

The work of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) in Syria began when Miss Ford passed on her mission to Brother Paul Allen and his wife, igniting a spark of faith that would continue to burn brightly in Kharba for years to come. Allen, fueled by unwavering passion, embarked on an itinerant mission through numerous villages in the Hauran plain and the Arab Mountains. His tireless efforts reached places like Sulkhad, Orman, A’ra, Bousra Al-Sham, and Samj, leaving a trail of hope in his wake.

In 1923, Allen took a significant step by renting a house in Dara’a, marking a new era in their ministry. Together with S.A. Gabriel, they established mission stations in various villages, including Ghasm, where they opened the first organized Alliance Church in 1924. Education also became a priority, with local teachers imparting knowledge to eager students.

The evangelical group in Tissia, inspired by the ministries of Pastor Antoine, was a testament to the spread of faith. The second church arose in Muthebeen, followed by the third in Jbaib, with Busra becoming their next station. Ralf Fried was invited from Sweida, and in 1932, a ministry space was secured in the city.

In 1927, Brooks, Fried, and his wife extended their ministry to Nawa, Kessweh, and Dara’a. Brother Barnabas of Egypt joined them in 1930, standing firm till 1938. In Izra’a, Pastor Brohn and his wife played a significant role in spreading the gospel.

Pastor George Breaden assumed ministry duties in 1932, driven by a desire to build churches and schools in Tissia, Jbaib, and A’ra, while also continuing to serve villages in Hauran and Sweida. The villagers’ extraordinary generosity in donating land and resources for churches stands as a testament to their dedication.

Pastor Abdullah Khuder, an evangelist, became a vital figure in spreading the gospel from 1929 to 1938. His unwavering faith and dedication inspired many, and he even composed Christian songs like “Jesus Always Knocks on the Door.”

Events in Palestine in 1948 prompted Pastor Ibrahim Owais, who later founded the Christian Alliance Church in Damascus in 1950, to leave Jerusalem for Damascus. He took a step of faith to build a church in the Al-Qussour area. Despite limited resources, their faith was rewarded, and the church was inaugurated in 1970, a living testament to God’s promise.

Pastor Hanna Awabdah, leading the church in Kharaba, moved to establish the first Alliance Church in Homs City in 1957. The challenges they faced only strengthened their resolve, resulting in the emergence of two more churches in Feirouza village and Al-Arman area in Homs.

In 1948, Pastor Khuder returned to Dara’a, where he helped establish a church. He continued his ministry with dedication, while his wife Aliaa became an icon of faith in the city.

In 1976, Pastor Ibrahim Oweis ordained four servants – Pastors Souleiman Awabdeh, Nicolas Abdou, Baheej Khoury, and Farid Khoury – who carried on the vision with zeal.

Under Pastor Khoury’s support, the churches of Tabbaleh and Marmaritta were founded. Other churches, including the one in Jdeidet Artouz in 2002, and Jaramana in 2006, further expanded the Alliance’s reach.

Beyond Syria’s borders, the Alliance extended its mission to the diaspora, including Kuwait and numerous European and North American countries, serving Syrians and Arabs abroad.

The church actively engaged in relief and development work, becoming a beacon of hope in Syrian society. They established relief centers and medical facilities in various locations, providing essential services to those in need.

In the remarkable Centennial Celebration Ceremony in October, our brothers and sisters came together to pay homage to the illustrious history of the C&MA of Syria. This historic event saw the convergence of esteemed guests from around the globe, including the presence of Rev. Dr. Jura Yanagihara, who serves as the President of the Alliance World Fellowship (AWF). Rev. Dr. Yanagihara delivered a profound message inspired by the Book of Hebrews, sharing his wisdom and insights. Adding to the significance of the celebration, the AWF EMERALD (Europe & Middle East) Regional Coordinator, Rev. Munther Shahatit, also graced the event with his presence, further underscoring the global unity and reverence for this momentous occasion.

Today, with faith firmly rooted in Christ’s love, the Alliance in Syria continues its mission, spreading the richness of Christ’s love and salvation throughout its president, Rev. Edward Awabdeh. The Syrian Alliance church has around 3,000 members, 23 churches and 11 ordained ministers and is illuminating souls and filling hearts with hope.

The Alliance of Syria is one of five national churches celebrating its centennial in 2023, along with those in Cambodia, Colombia, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The journey of the Alliance in Syria is a testament to this promise – a journey marked by faith, dedication, and love for the people it serves.