Summary of "Doubletake: The Last Safe Place"
The World and Everything In It
Release Date: January 11, 2025
Host: Les Sillers
Produced by: Caleb Weldy

Introduction

In the episode titled "Doubletake: The Last Safe Place," WORLD Radio's The World and Everything In It delves deep into the volatile situation in northeastern Syria, focusing on the perilous environment for Christians and other minorities amidst ongoing conflicts. Hosted by Les Sillers and produced by World correspondent, Caleb Weldy, the episode provides an in-depth look at the intersection of faith, survival, and geopolitical strife in one of the world's most unstable regions.

Haller Shake's Journey

The episode opens with the harrowing story of Haller Shake, a Syrian refugee whose life was upended by conflict. After fleeing to Iraq to escape ISIS's brutality that claimed her father in 2014, Haller embraced Christianity along with her mother and sister.

Haller Shake [00:19]: "My mind exploded and I just like studying the Bible after they gave it to me."

Driven by her newfound faith, Haller decided to return to Syria with the Free Burma Rangers (FBR), a Christian aid group known for operating in high-risk areas where most NGOs fear to tread. In November 2023, less than a month after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, Haller embarked on this perilous mission.

The Mission in Syria

Les Sillers recounts how Haller and Caleb Weldy joined the FBR on their mission to share Christ and provide humanitarian aid in war-torn Syria.

Les Sillers [00:24]: "Haller returned to Syria with the Free Burma Rangers. That's a Christian aid group that goes into places too dangerous for most NGOs."

Upon arrival, Haller attempted to share her faith with her uncle, who had previously threatened her family for their conversion.

Haller Shake [00:51]: "He opened it and when he saw me, he just slapped me and yeah, he kicked me out. Just go out."

Despite the violent rejection, Haller persisted, spending two hours with her uncle, aunt, and their children, ultimately surviving the encounter.

Haller Shake [01:15]: "I am still alive."

The Geopolitical Landscape

The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the complex geopolitical dynamics in northeastern Syria. Before the fall of President Bashar al-Assad to the militant group Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), the region was a battleground for various factions, including Arabs, Turks, Kurds, Russians, Americans, and Iranians, all contending for control amidst the remnants of ISIS.

Les Sillers [01:19]: "More than half a million civilians have been killed in Syria since the Arab Spring protests began in 2011."

With Assad's ousting, HTS has struggled to maintain stability, raising fears of renewed persecution against Christians and other minorities. Martin Parsons of the Lindisfarne Center for the Study of Christian Persecution warns of a tightening noose for religious minorities, drawing parallels to Afghanistan's grim history.

Daily Life and Operations on the Ground

Caleb Weldy provides a firsthand account of the FBR's activities and the constant dangers they face. Their mission included conducting medical trainings, establishing Good Life Clubs for children, and distributing Bibles in Kurdish and Arabic.

Unknown Translator [03:54]: "He just received the Bible and audio bible. And he was literally shocked."

The team's daily routine was punctuated by airstrikes and the constant threat of ambushes. They navigated through towns riddled with remnants of ISIS and guarded by various militias, including the US-aligned Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army.

John Eubank [06:09]: "So how do you think your wife will react to this?"

Personal Testimonies: John Eubank and Caleb Weldy

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the personal stories of John Eubank and Caleb Weldy, two FBR team members whose faith and experiences intertwine with their mission.

John Eubank's Redemption: John shares his tumultuous past, battling addiction and personal demons until a divine encounter transformed his life.

Caleb Weldy [27:22]: "You can have your doctrine down pat, but if Jesus didn't live in your heart, you're going to be afraid."

Caleb Weldy's Faith Journey: Caleb recounts his own path to faith, highlighting moments of fear and unwavering trust in God's plan amidst the chaos they faced in Syria.

Caleb Weldy [27:59]: "I love you and I'm with you."

Their testimonies not only provide a human face to the mission but also underscore the profound impact of faith in overcoming adversity.

Critical Encounters and Near Misses

Throughout their mission, the team navigates numerous life-threatening situations. One such instance involved a night airstrike that shattered the fragile peace, prompting prayers and a precarious search for shelter amidst explosions.

Caleb Weldy [26:21]: "Only thing that kept going through my head is, and I will leave my voice to worship you, my king."

The team's resilience is further tested as they traverse dangerous checkpoints controlled by conflicting factions, witnessing the pervasive destruction and human suffering caused by relentless bombings.

The Future of Syria and Implications for Christians

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Les Sillers and Caleb Weldy reflect on the uncertain future of Syria. HTS leader Ahmed Al Shararra's attempts to present a more tolerant face are met with skepticism from experts like Martin Parsons, who caution that any semblance of stability may be short-lived.

Martin Parsons: "We're not going to see an immediate massacre of Christians, but we are going to see that tightening noose."

The ongoing counteroffensives by SDF forces against the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army further complicate the region's stability, leaving Christians like those near the Iraqi border in a precarious "last safe place."

Unknown Ranger [36:15]: "If the US doesn't intervene and slow and stop the Turks, the Turkish-supported Syrian national army will come in and slaughter everybody."

Conclusion

"Doubletake: The Last Safe Place" paints a vivid and poignant picture of the struggles faced by Christians in northeastern Syria amidst interwoven conflicts. Through Haller Shake's courageous story and the personal journeys of FBR members like John Eubank and Caleb Weldy, the episode highlights the resilience of faith in the face of relentless adversity. As Syria remains mired in turmoil, the narrative underscores the urgent need for international attention and support to protect vulnerable minorities striving to survive and uphold their beliefs.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps:

• Haller Shake [00:19]: "My mind exploded and I just like studying the Bible after they gave it to me."

• Haller Shake [00:51]: "He opened it and when he saw me, he just slapped me and yeah, he kicked me out. Just go out."

• Caleb Weldy [27:22]: "You can have your doctrine down pat, but if Jesus didn't live in your heart, you're going to be afraid."

• Caleb Weldy [27:47]: "I love you and I'm with you."

• Unknown Translator [03:54]: "He just received the Bible and audio bible. And he was literally shocked."

• Martin Parsons [34:38]: "We're not going to see an immediate massacre of Christians, but we are going to see that tightening noose."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing an informative and engaging overview for those who have yet to listen.