Caleb Weldy, a WORLD correspondent, shares gripping insights from his time in Syria with a Christian humanitarian aid group. He recounts the turbulent journey through eastern Syria, highlighting emotional encounters with locals amidst the chaos and danger. The podcast delves into the transformative power of faith within a military encampment, and the precarious situation of Christians as leadership dynamics shift in the region. Weldy's firsthand experiences showcase a blend of resilience and hope in a land marked by conflict.
Hauler Shekhe's courageous return to Syria illustrates her dedication to sharing Christianity, despite facing severe familial and physical threats in a volatile environment.
The humanitarian efforts of the Free Burma Rangers highlight the ongoing crisis in Syria, as they provide essential support to a suffering population amidst relentless violence and instability.
Deep dives
The Journey of Hauler Shekhe
Hauler Shekhe, a Syrian refugee who converted to Christianity after fleeing ISIS, returned to Syria in late 2023 to share her faith. Accompanied by the Free Burma Rangers, she faced grave personal danger, as her uncle had threatened to kill her and her family due to their conversion. Despite this, Hauler confronted him, enduring both physical and verbal abuse before sharing her beliefs for two hours, leaving her shaken yet alive. This visit exemplified her commitment to spreading her newfound faith in a region fraught with violence and hostility.
The Complex Landscape of Syria
Syria remains in turmoil, as various factions continue to vie for control in the post-Assad landscape, including remnants of ISIS and many foreign influences. The chaotic political situation exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and countless civilians suffering. Observers are particularly concerned for religious minorities, including Christians, who face an uncertain future amid the power struggles between radical Islamist groups. The podcast underscores the grim reality that many Syrians feel trapped, enduring ongoing violence with limited options for escape or safety.
Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Conflict
The Free Burma Rangers engage in critical humanitarian work within Syria, providing medical support and community outreach despite the imminent threats of violence. Their initiatives include organizing Good Life Clubs for children, offering them snacks, toys, and teachings about Christianity. While the group navigates through dangers like airstrikes and ambushes, they strive to foster hope and support among the local population, which has been devastated by years of conflict. However, the precariousness of their situation, highlighted by near misses from military actions, serves as a stark reminder of the volatility in the region.
Last week we brought you the story of Hawler Sheikhe, a Syrian woman who returned in 2023 to one of the world’s most chaotic countries on unfinished family business. She went with a Christian humanitarian aid group called the Free Burma Rangers. WORLD correspondent Caleb Welde went with them.
This week, the story of the rest of that trip. They went a year before the Islamist rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, known as HTS, overthrew the brutal government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria last month. But northeast Syria is still one of the most chaotic places in the world. And, as Caleb found out for himself, very dangerous.
Until Assad fell, the West had largely ignored the conflict in Syria. However this turns out, the people Caleb met there will likely remain right where they are now: stuck in a simmering conflict with no place to go.