The surgeon who operated for Christ

More than 250.000 Christians left Aleppo during the war in Syria. Despite being shot at by snipers and having to hide during numerous bomb attacks, the surgeon Jany Haddad decided to stay and operate for Christ. On August 14th, he moved to be with the Lord.

“If we all leave, who will then give people the Gospel,” said Jany Haddad when Intent spoke to him at a conference in Budapest in 2016. The Syrian-Armenian surgeon could have moved out of Aleppo and Syria both before and during the war if he had wanted to. As a dual citizen of Syria and Armenia he was free to travel. In Armenia he had a home waiting for him, and he was offered well-paid positions in UK and Cyprus. He did however feel that he could not leave.

Stand in the gap

“I have a burden for my nation, and I love the people in Syria. It does not matter whether they are Christians or Muslims. This is why I have decided to stay. Someone must stand in the gap. My desire is to serve my Lord and my nation,” said Haddad.

At the conference he shared stories of how the life in Aleppo had been during the war. Aleppo was one of the hardest hit cities in Syria. Much of the city’s infrastructure got destroyed in the numerous bomb attacks including parts of the Baptist church where Jany Haddad served as a leader.

“We have been without electricity, means of communication, food and water for extensive periods of time. Despite of all the attacks, God has kept me alive. One day a bomb landed just meters from my clinic. By God’s grace the clinic was spared so we could continue to work for his glory. Three times I was shot at by snipers. One time I heard the bullet pass close to my ear. Two times the bullets were shot between my legs. Wherever I go I say: Please pray for us. Your dollars can help us buy bread. Through your prayers we are protected so we stay alive.”

Christian targets

The 400,000 plus Christian community in Aleppo was a specific target for several groups during the war. According to Haddad 3,000 of more than 4,300 mortars and bombs being poured out over Aleppo, targeted the Christians.

“Many Christians wanted to stay, but they could not because their houses got damaged beyond repair. They used their last money to get out of Syria,” said Haddad.

For those who stayed, like himself, the opportunities to share the gospel were great.

“Due to the damaged infrastructure, people had nowhere to go and no activities to attend. Our church was still offering Sunday services, women’s groups, prayer meetings and children’s programs. People who had never been in the church before, came to attend. Through our work many people started to read the Bible. Many have got to know Jesus and have received him as their personal savior.”

Expecting revival

The Syrian-Armenian surgeon estimates that around 70 percent of his patients were Muslims. After everything has settled in Syria, he believes that there will be a great revival.

“People have seen that we have continued to serve them even in the midst of all trouble. Often we have helped them free of charge. Christian groups have also brought food and other things people need to survive, and some have engaged in digging wells to provide water. For me this is the gospel lived out in practice. We work to meet the needs of people. Wherever there is a person in need, and I am able to meet his or her need – that is my workplace. The help the Christians have provided in this time of crisis, will bear fruit.

God’s control

Jany Haddad was not afraid of dying. Asked about the risks of living in Aleppo, he answered:

“God is in control and he can protect me. If he wants to bring me home to himself, that is also fine. He decides. I cannot leave my nation. If we are not there, who will then give the gospel to people. People need to see the gospel lived out in front of them. We are glad that we have a chance to show them who Jesus is through our lives.”

Jany Haddad died on August 14th after being infected by the coronavirus. He leaves behind his wife, Sonig, one son and two daughters.

In addition to being a surgeon and a church leader, Jany Haddad served as the Middle East coordinator for Barnabas Fund. The organization says that many church leaders in Syria have got Covid-19, and asks everyone to pray for them.