WIN: Iraq - Persecution
Iraq, Middle East
Leader: Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari
Dominant Religion: Shia Islam
Christians: 2-3%
Persecution Ranking: 21st
Iraq is diverse in many ways. Geographically, there are deserts, there are fertile lands--well watered by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, and there are mountainous parts in the north. Ethnically and religiously, about 55% of the population is predominantly Arab Shi'ite, 20% Arab Sunni, 20% Kurdish Sunni, and 5% comprised of other groups, including Turkmen Muslims, and Armenian and Assyrian Christians. Politically, Iraq is in transition. Saddam Hussein's rule ended in April 2003. Prime Minister Jaafari now heads an interim government, working toward the approval of a new constitution and further elections. During this period of much change, the number of evangelical Protestant churches in Baghdad increased from five in January to 2003 to 15 in 2004.
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Prayer points:
= Pray for daily strength for each Christian, especially those living amidst the threat of violence and crime.
= Pray that the diversity of the Church will be a source of creativity and strength not of division and weakness.
= Pray for the establishment of peace, good government, freedom, religious liberty and democracy in Iraq.
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Dear LORD Jesus, Prince of Peace, may Your peace reign in the hearts and minds of those in Iraq who seek You. Uphold Your Church in these days. Grant success to all who are striving for peaceful and godly governance. We pray that the government of Iraq would truly be a government for all Iraqis, and that it would protect minorities including Iraqi Christians. Amen.
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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
Leader: Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari
Dominant Religion: Shia Islam
Christians: 2-3%
Persecution Ranking: 21st
Iraq is diverse in many ways. Geographically, there are deserts, there are fertile lands--well watered by the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, and there are mountainous parts in the north. Ethnically and religiously, about 55% of the population is predominantly Arab Shi'ite, 20% Arab Sunni, 20% Kurdish Sunni, and 5% comprised of other groups, including Turkmen Muslims, and Armenian and Assyrian Christians. Politically, Iraq is in transition. Saddam Hussein's rule ended in April 2003. Prime Minister Jaafari now heads an interim government, working toward the approval of a new constitution and further elections. During this period of much change, the number of evangelical Protestant churches in Baghdad increased from five in January to 2003 to 15 in 2004.
<+><
Prayer points:
= Pray for daily strength for each Christian, especially those living amidst the threat of violence and crime.
= Pray that the diversity of the Church will be a source of creativity and strength not of division and weakness.
= Pray for the establishment of peace, good government, freedom, religious liberty and democracy in Iraq.
<+><
Dear LORD Jesus, Prince of Peace, may Your peace reign in the hearts and minds of those in Iraq who seek You. Uphold Your Church in these days. Grant success to all who are striving for peaceful and godly governance. We pray that the government of Iraq would truly be a government for all Iraqis, and that it would protect minorities including Iraqi Christians. Amen.
----------------------------------------
Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
