The miraculous events of the Old Testament—giants defeated with slingshots, seas parting, and donkeys speaking—can often feel distant from modern reality. Yet, testimonies continue to emerge that echo the same divine intervention seen throughout biblical history. One such account is that of Yunus, a Syrian refugee whose experience bears striking similarities to the story of Jonah.
Growing up in Syria, Yunus knew nothing but war and poverty. He navigated rubble-filled streets on his way to school and often returned home to an empty table. Like many others, he witnessed the mass exodus of people fleeing his homeland, risking everything for a chance at survival. As an adult, Yunus reached a similar breaking point. Staying in Syria meant facing starvation or becoming a casualty of political violence. With no financial means to emigrate legally, he saw only one option.
Selling the little he owned, Yunus boarded a small, fragile boat bound for Lebanon. However, as the journey progressed, the sea turned violent. Powerful winds stirred the waters, and the boat capsized, throwing Yunus into the treacherous waves.
For three days, he clung to the wreckage, battling exhaustion and the unforgiving sea. In those desperate moments, he turned to the God he had long ignored, pleading for rescue. He made a vow—if he survived, he would dedicate his life to Christ, surrendering everything to the One who had the power to save him.
In an extraordinary display of divine mercy, God answered his prayer. After three days adrift, a group of fishermen spotted Yunus and pulled him from the water—alive but weak. True to his promise, he embraced faith in Jesus and became a devoted follower.
Although his story does not include a great fish, Yunus’s testimony mirrors the biblical narrative of Jonah, demonstrating that God continues to reveal Himself in miraculous ways!
Today, Yunus faces new challenges as a persecuted Christian and refugee in Lebanon, seeking to rebuild his life after his harrowing ordeal.
Recently, a Pastoral Care Team visited Yunus, offering him an Emergency Relief Kit filled with essential food and supplies. They spent time with him, listening to his struggles and praying alongside him. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that supporting the persecuted is more than an act of charity—it is an opportunity to witness God’s intervention firsthand, as He continues to work in the lives of those who have sacrificed everything to follow Him.
The story of Yunus stands as a testament to God’s unwavering presence, proving that His miracles are not confined to the pages of ancient scripture but are unfolding in the lives of believers today.