As foreign journalists weigh the risks of reporting on the unrest in Syria, many nameless locals are putting themselves in greater danger for fewer rewards covering an uprising in a tightly controlled police state that often literally shoots the messenger. We are witnessing the birth of citizen journalism, and Razzan Ghaxxawi, a popular blogger said, ‘Syrian journalists are targeted now, that's why we witnessed the birth of citizen journalists who are doing excellent work. Syria’s citizen journalists have learned to employ a variety of creative means to evade the radar of the vigilant authorities. When carrying out their daily work of media coverage they rely heavily on internet proxies, satellite phones, modems, hidden cameras often placed in buttons, pens and wristwatches. However some have learned that the sneakier they are the greater the punishment. The Smart Phone is more dangerous to the government than Israel now. (See also North Korea story below)

Pray: and thank God for the way technology is being used positively asking Him to protect those who communicate events truthfully. (Is.21:6)

More: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jan-29/161460-syrians-risking-it-all-to-report-the-uprising.ashx#axzz1l6Gsy3Ug

Almost 40 people, including women and children, were killed when opposition fighters attacked the village of Dweir, on the outskirts of Homs, on 27 May. A Barnabas Fund partner reported that the rebels tortured some residents before they killed them. On the day after the incident, independent United Nations investigators warned that opposition forces were becoming increasingly radicalised, and that only a minority of them were pro-democracy and wanted a state for all Syrians. Despite these developments, Western governments are moving towards increased support for the rebels. The United States will now provide direct military aid to the Syrian opposition for the first time. We are asked to pray for the Lord to guide Western governments as they respond to increasing radicalisation amongst the rebels, and pray that He will bring hope to Syrian Christians, whose position in their own country is becoming more and more precarious.

Pray: for comfort for all those who lost loved ones in the massacre. Pray also for those who had to flee their homes and may be traumatised by what they have witnessed. (Ps.34:17-18)

More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYywK6Z5zrc

A London-based priest, The Rev Nadim Nassar, who is in Latakia, reported that ‘it felt like the whole city has closed down because people are scared to leave their homes and people don’t know what’s going on and what is next’. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he added: ‘On Sunday, you could hear a lot of shooting and bombing from different parts of the city. At least 30 people are reported to have been killed in Latakia so far, and government forces are accused of shooting at women and children trying to escape. Tanks have gathered on the outskirts of the city. Syrian government television has denied that any civilians have been targeted, and authorities say that it is tackling armed terrorist gangs. The crackdown began last Saturday, a day after there were anti-government protests in the city. The next day, activists say, Syrian warships fired shells at the city.

Pray: for the situation in Syria that a just solution would be found to bring about changes in the Syrian Government to halt the hostilities. (Ps.7:6)

More: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/priest.tells.of.fear.and.uncertainty.in.syria/28507.htm

The condition of the Church in Syria is becoming more and more desperate. Christians, their property and their churches continue to be the targets of violent attack. According to a prayer bulletin from Barnabas Aid, a group which provides assistance to the persecuted church, a senior church leader reported some disturbing facts. Christians in Syria also face ‘inflation, poverty, growing of sectarian enmity, shortages of supplies of food and fuel, cold weather, revenge, kidnapping for big amounts of ransom, risks of travelling, frequent Internet cut off and (more).’ While the Christian population of Homs was once 50,000-60,000, just 80 Christians remain in a Christian neighbourhood of the old city in December 2012. They are being held hostage by rebels and prevented from leaving. They’re dying one by one as a result of serious hardships and lack of medication. They are being kept there as ‘human shields’ by Salafist rebel groups to deter government forces from attacking the Christian area, which is now occupied by rebels.

Pray: that all in Syria would know the Lord's peace in these desperate times. May God make a way for them to live in safety in their own country. (Hos.2:18)

More: http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2012/s12120119.htm