Lift Off! 40 Days of Sacrifice - Day 04
We pause this day from our previously-planned prayer campaign to lift up a concerned prayer for the country of Syria. This is what we know so far:
- At least 70 people have been killed in a suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in north-western Syria.
- Hundreds suffered symptoms consistent with reaction to a nerve agent after what the opposition and Western powers said was a Syrian government air strike on the area on Tuesday morning.
- The Syrian military denied using any chemical agents, while its ally Russia said an air strike hit a rebel depot full of chemical munitions.
What happened?
- Activists and witnesses say warplanes attacked Khan Sheikhoun, about 50km (30 miles) south of the city of Idlib, early on Tuesday, when many people were asleep.
- Mariam Abu Khalil, a 14-year-old resident who was awake, told the New York Times that she had seen an aircraft drop a bomb on a one-storey building.
- The explosion sent a yellow mushroom cloud into the air that stung her eyes. "It was like a winter fog," she said. She sheltered in her home, but recalled that when people started arriving to help the wounded, "they inhaled the gas and died".
- Victims experienced symptoms including redness of the eyes, foaming from the mouth, constricted pupils, blue facial skin and lips, severe shortness of breath and asphyxiation, it added.
- The opposition-run health directorate in Idlib province, which is almost entirely controlled by rebel fighters and al-Qaeda-linked jihadists, says at least 70 people were killed, while the Syrian Observatory put the death toll at 72, including 20 children and 17 women.
(from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39500947)
Take a moment today to pray for the people, the city, and the country of those affected. Many have fled the country already, but these stories of families and children devastated by the attacks are real and shows us that many are still trying to survive in the country. Pray for the victims and their families, that they would be comforted by God's peace. Pray for the leaders of the country that they would cease their attacks on the rebel forces and on innocent people. Pray for outside help to come and bring aid to the fallen city and the people who decide to stay. Pray for yourself and how you might be able to help through prayer and giving. This is an example of the pain and suffering going on in the country for quite a while now. Continue to be fervent in prayer and support for this great tragedy.
Further information can be found here: (Be mindful that there are graphic images of those affected.)
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39500947
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35806229
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39496149
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