Syria is a country full of rich culture and history, and has been a part of many ancient civilizations dating back to the Sumerian city-states. It's capital, the biblical city of Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Since 2011 Syria has been faced by civil war, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of Syrians displaced. Due to this ongoing tragedy, Syria is the largest source of refugees in the world today with over 5 million registered refugees. Many Syrian refugees now call California home, and are a part of our VOR family receiving love, community, and hands-on support. Join us in praying for healing and restoration in Syria today, and for those reestablishing their lives here in the US. 

Afghanistan sits at the crossroads of Central and South Asia and is home to breathtaking landscapes, two major language groups, and over 5,000 years of history. Since the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021 the Taliban has taken control of the nation, causing over 6 million Afghans to be displaced from their homes. Over 100,000 refugees have resettled here in the U.S., many here in California.

Let’s pray today for peace and restoration to come through the love of Jesus to Afghanistan, and to the refugees here in the US.

Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, is the setting of several key Biblical events, and is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Even being a beautiful and culturally rich country, many Egyptians have sought asylum here in the U.S. due to political persecution, economic hardship, and religious discrimination. 

Egypt has the largest Christian population in the Middle East, and many endure discrimination and hardship because of their faith. Since Egyptian Asylum seekers often do not fit the narrow criteria for refugee status, they rely especially on churches and ministries like VOR as they resettle. Let’s pray today for the Egyptian nation to see more of the light of Christ, and for Egyptian families here in the states as they rebuild their lives. 

Did you know that in Beirut, Lebanon, you could ski in the mountains, and just 90 minutes later swim in the turquoise Mediterranean sea? Lebanon is known around the world for its natural beauty, delicious food, music, and hospitality. This breathtaking country is also the host of over a million refugees from surrounding regions.

While many refugees call Lebanon home, many refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers also come from Lebanon due to the country’s political and economic instability. Join us in praying today for our friends and families from Lebanon, and for greater stability for the country and those seeking refuge inside its borders.

Photo by Nina Abdel Malak on Unsplash

The country of Yemen sits at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, sharing a beautiful coastline with both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. In addition to its coastal plains, Yemen is also home to rugged mountains, vast deserts, and cities teeming with ancient architecture.

Since 2015, Yemen has faced a devastating civil war between a rebel group and the internationally recognized government. Due to this ongoing conflict, more than 4.5 million Yemeni people have been displaced from their homes within the country, and over 300,000 are registered abroad as refugees or asylum seekers. Join us in praying for peace in Yemen - and for the Yemeni families that now call our VOR community home. 

Photo by Saif Albadni on Unsplash

Nile shorelines, spiced tea, wildlife reserves, and more pyramids than Egypt. Sudan is vast, diverse, and culturally rich. Sadly, much of the country's recent history has been shaped by recurring violence and long periods of civil war. This includes the secession of South Sudan in 2011 and ongoing conflicts that have devastated the capital and other regions.

As of 2025, over 10 million people have been displaced inside Sudan, and over 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries. Hundreds of Sudanese families now call California home and have rebuilt their lives as our neighbors. Join us in praying for peace and healing in Sudan, for our Sudanese friends in our community, and their families back home.

Photo by Ahmed Babiker on Unsplash.