“Incredible.” I can’t think of a better word to describe the scene before me as I stood in front of thousands of our Iraqi brothers and sisters to share a message of hope.
Dozens of people sat on the floor in the shape of a cross while hundreds more filled the aisles, the balcony, and even spilled out the doors into the overflow area outside.
They called it Christ Day, a day dedicated to thanking God and asking Him to bless Iraq. Christians from all different communities, denominations, and ethnic groups gathered together, forgetting their differences, to launch a prayer movement they hope will impact every church and Christian community in their country.
Many had been fasting and praying for 50 days prior to this event that it would be a monumental turning point for their nation. And I clearly felt the power of their prayers as I stood before them.
In all my years of ministry and travel, I don’t think I’ve ever attended an event quite like this.
Many in the crowd had personally experienced persecution by ISIS. Most would be returning to refugee settlements after the event because they had been driven from their homes. Still, they praised God. They knew that as long as He is on the throne, there is still hope for Iraq.
I was especially encouraged to see so many Iraqi youth in attendance. They sang, they danced, and they listened intently as I promised them that their brothers and sisters in America are praying for them every day.
Will you help me fulfill that promise to these Christian young people? They are the future of the church in Iraq, and they desperately need your prayers.
Here are a few ways you can pray for Christ-followers in Iraq:
- – Pray they cling to the hope of Jesus Christ despite persecution.
- – Pray ISIS will be defeated and they can return home soon.
- – Pray they will return home with a new spirit and a desire for revival.
- – Pray God will use this dark time in Iraq to spread His light like never before.
In addition to praying, you can stand with Iraqi believers by providing essentials such as food, clean water, bedding, and Bibles for as little as $35.
As more people flee to refugee camps every day, the need for these provisions is growing more urgent than ever before. Our goal is to help 10,000 refugees by the end of 2016, but we need your help!
Please pray for Christians in Iraq … and allow God to use your giving to answer their own prayers for survival.