Syrian pastor brutally martyred

An evangelical church leader who had converted from the secretive Druze sect has been brutally martyred, alongside members of his family, amidst bloody violence in Suwayda, Syria.

Khalid Mezher had remained in the area, faithfully preaching the gospel, despite escalating conflict. He was mercilessly killed along with up to 20 members of his family, reportedly including his parents, siblings and children.

He had been actively involved with the pastoral work of Good Shepherd Evangelical Church and, along with other family members, had converted to Christianity from the Druze faith a few years ago, according to Open Doors.