Please Pray!! Crisis in Mosul ─ Iraqi Christians in Danger Report From AGWM By Kristel Ortiz Since beginning a violent takeover on Friday, June 6, militant extremists have obtained full control of Mosul, Iraq’s second city and the traditional center of the Iraqi Christian community. An estimated 500,000 residents have fled from the violence thus far, many of which are seeking refuge in Northern Iraq’s Kurdish provinces. Hundreds of Christian families are amongst the refugees as Christians are in particular jeopardy during the crisis. Many of those now fleeing Mosul arrived there in recent years after being forced out of Baghdad and surrounding areas. At least one church has already been burned down in Mosul, and believers fear that this takeover will serve to aggravate and accelerate the destruction of Christian presence in the country. AG World Missions Communications director Randy Hurst says, “I talked this morning with one of our leaders in the Middle East who was in contact today with an AG pastor in Baghdad regarding the escalating crisis there. We need to pray for the safety of both our fellow AG believers and all other Christians touched by this crisis, and that the peace of God will rule in their hearts and minds.” Middle East Concern, an association of established Christian agencies and individuals that advocates for human rights for Christian communities in the Middle East and North Africa, is circulating the following prayer list: • That the Christians of Mosul will know the close presence of Jesus, the guidance of the Spirit and the protection of the Father • That those who have chosen to remain in the city would not be subjected to violent or unjust treatment • That humanitarian assistance would reach all who are in need, whether having been displaced or remaining in Mosul • That Christians throughout Iraq will know the peace and presence of Jesus each day, and will remain faithful to him and clear in their testimony • That Iraqi authorities will act decisively to improve security for all citizens of Iraq. • That those perpetuating the conflict would know the Spirits conviction of sin and come to understand the depths of Jesus forgiveness. “The increasingly desperate needs of the suffering church should drive us to our knees to intercede for spiritual family. We must help bear their burdens in prayer,” says AGWM executive director Greg Mundis. “I ask our missionaries, our churches in the U.S. and other fraternal fellowships worldwide to remember those who are so vulnerable right now due to the violent crisis taking place in Iraq.”
Posted on: Thu, 19 Jun 2014 18:23:20 +0000
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