Psalm 126:5–6 (ESV)

5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Dear beloved partners in ministry,

As the cold winter winds blow in this season, I pray that the Lord’s warm peace and comfort will fill your homes and churches. I bless you with a healthy New Year and an even greater abundance of the Lord’s grace.

I am sharing this December prayer letter a bit later than usual. This is because the surgery for the sister we have been praying for together took place on January 2nd, and she was safely discharged yesterday and has begun her journey to recovery. I wanted to share this news with you, so I spent time waiting and praying before finally writing this letter now.

■ News from the Academy in the Refugee Camp

The kindergarten at the camp academy successfully completed the semester and began its winter break following a movie screening at the theater and a Christmas party. Throughout this term, the teachers and children truly spent a "joyful time of learning together." The laughter of children filled the classrooms through activities such as crafts, art, singing and dancing, and physical education using Taekwondo movements. Although these children have grown up amidst war, poverty, and insecurity, during those moments, the academy became a space where they could run, laugh, and express themselves just like children should.

There was a particularly great blessing in the English classes. We connected with the ESL Ministry team from Emmaus University in the United States, which further revitalized our online English lessons. The children are learning words and sentences one by one while interacting with native-speaking teachers through the screen. An even greater grace than learning English is the fact that the children feel in their hearts that "there are people somewhere in the world who remember me." The Taekwondo classes also saw diligent participation throughout the semester, and we ended the year warmly with a belt promotion party and a Christmas celebration.

While praying and reflecting on how to use the Christmas gift funds sent by our supporters, we heard the voices from the field saying, "This year, food is more necessary than any other gift." Therefore, although it wasn't a large amount, we personally visited each child's home to deliver essential food and snacks. Some homes were being visited for the first time, and many families were in very difficult circumstances. Though they were small gifts, they contained the heart of God, saying, "I have not forgotten you; I love you."

■ News about Sister J

Sister J, a mother of ten, had long suffered from dizziness and pain due to compressed nerves and blood vessels, making daily life increasingly difficult. However, as the surgery was not 100% guaranteed and the financial burden was significant, she hesitated for a long time. While praying together, God provided the funds for the surgery and gave her peace of mind, leading her to decide on the operation. Although the hospital repeatedly delayed the date, a sudden opening was scheduled by God's grace, and she successfully completed the surgery on January 2nd.

Upon waking from surgery, Sister J shared a truly remarkable testimony in a quiet but confident voice : "I saw Jesus during the surgery. He was walking right beside me. I felt such immense peace that... I didn't want to wake up. So I felt a little bit of regret when I finally did wake up". In the face of this confession, we could only give thanks to God with tears. Currently, she has been discharged and is recovering at home. Please pray that her recovery will be complete and pain-free so that she may praise the Lord and live a life as a witness for Jesus

■ News about Muna

Muna is currently studying happily at Damascus University with your regular support. Whenever I see her face in the photos she often sends—holding her books with a smile or enjoying time with friends in the lab—I realize once again that "education changes a person's life". However, more important than anything else is the sowing of the Gospel in Muna's heart. Please pray that Syria will open soon so that we may visit and share the Gospel directly.

■ News from the Orphanage

At the orphanage we visit monthly, we held a Christmas party together ahead of Christmas. We shared the joy of Christmas by singing carols with the children and doing Christmas tree decorating crafts. For gifts, we prepared a set of pajamas for each child and spent a time filled with laughter for the first time in a while while eating hamburgers and donuts together. Although they do not have the embrace of parents, we prayed that the memory of "being loved" would remain in the children's hearts for at least that one day.

■ News about the MBBs (Believers from a Muslim Background)

We gathered with the MBBs who have not yet returned to Syria and remain here to celebrate the birth of Baby Jesus with joy. Although many families have now returned to their hometowns and only a small community remained, the gathering was filled with even deeper gratitude and grace. Through the Christmas play prepared with the children, various activities joined with laughter, and the warm food shared with care, we were able to set aside the war, instability, and fear of the future for a moment and rejoice in "Jesus who came among us".

Meanwhile, we often hear testimonies from MBBs who have returned to Syria that they are striving to hold onto their faith despite the difficult environment. Whenever we hear confessions that they start their day holding onto the Word even in situations where there is no electricity or jobs, and where they must be more cautious because of their faith, our hearts ache with a longing to run to them, pray for them, and comfort them. We felt a glimpse of the desperate heart of the Apostle Paul, who poured out his soul day and night for the distant churches.

In the midst of it all, God is still working through people. Your prayers and love, which have joined in that touch, are becoming life, comfort, and the strength to rise again in this land. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Ma'at Salame (Go in peace), Praying that the Lord’s peace will always be with you,

Sami & Samiya in Jordan

[Prayer Requests]

For true peace to prevail in Syria and across the Middle East.
For Sister J’s complete physical recovery and provision for her family.
For the Academy and Kindergarten to remain stable channels for the Gospel.
For the Gospel to take root in Muna’s heart and for her to find fellow believers.
For the orphans to grow up knowing they are children of a Heavenly Father.
For the protection and survival of refugee families during this harsh winter.
For our family (Sami, Samiya, Dasol, and Dahae) to remain Spirit-filled and obedient.

December 2025, Syrian Refugees (Sami & Samiya)