Murder of Chaldean man raises fears

A group of armed men burst into the home of an elderly believer, stabbing him to death in Iraq. Youssif Isho, a 70-year-old Chaldean Christian, lived alone in Karrad, central Baghdad. According to information obtained by AsiaNews, Youssif Isho's death was a targeted killing by extremist groups. Sources warned AsiaNews that other attacks against Christians are possible in the capital. "The faithful continue to suffer," a Christian leader said, "and people are scared, moving cautiously out of fear of more violence." Street demonstrations were scheduled in Iraq's main cities in the wake of the attack.

Pray for all those grieving the loss of this Christian man. Pray the Lord will strengthen the faith of believers in Iraq and take away all fear. Pray the Lord will strengthen and grow the Church in spite of the ongoing violence towards Christians.

Learn more about the tribulations of Iraqi Christians in the Iraq Country Report.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC is partnering to teach and equip persecuted Christian women sewing skills so that they can provide a sustainable source of income for their families and give them the opportunity to be witnesses for Christ through their new businesses. VOMC partners to provide biblical training on discipleship and the theology of persecution to Muslim Background Believers.

    Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Equipping the Saints, Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Population
    41,266,109 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Arab (75-80), Kurdish (15-20), other (5)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (95-98), Christianity (1), other (1-4)

    Leader
    President Latif Rashid (2022)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Iraq

    Pray for the protection of the remaining believers in Iraq during this time of upheaval and danger. May many churches and Christian relief organizations seize the opportunity to provide greatly needed assistance and ministry to the numerous suffering people of this war-torn nation. As God’s work of healing, provision and restoration takes place, pray that a stable democratic government will be established.

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Iraq News

  • Court Orders Christian Family to Convert to Islam
    Iraqi children are huddled together, smiling and scrambling for the attention of the photographer.
    Children in Iraq
    Photo: Flickr / UN / ECHO (cc)
     

    A Christian woman is presently facing a difficult ruling after being ordered by an Iraqi court to convert to Islam. The decision is based on the 1959 Personal Status Law, which mandates that children must adopt Islam if one of their parents converts to the Muslim faith.

    Read more...

  • Church Leader Faces Accusations of Blasphemy
    Bahzad Mziri
    Bishop Bahzad Mziri
    Photo: Middle East Concern

    Bahzad Mziri, the bishop of an Anabaptist church in the Kurdistan city of Duhok, is facing threats of blasphemy charges after social media comments were published. Considered by some Iraqi Facebook recipients to be offensive to Islam, the post comparing Jesus to the Islamic prophet Mohammed was made in response to insulting statements published online earlier by a Muslim leader. The post on the bishop's Facebook account was reposted on February 16th by Muslims intent on inciting anger.

    Read more...

  • Oppression of Iraqi Believers
    Man's hands holding a gospel tract
    Those caught evangelizing could face blasphemy charges.
    Photo: VOMC

    A recent report from the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East highlights the desperate circumstances facing many Iraqi Christians – both those residing in their country as well as those living as refugees. Over the past two decades, 80 percent of the nation's Christians, which amounts to over one million people, have left the country and chosen not to return.

    Read more...

  • Aid Workers Released
    Devastation from the war
    Some of the devastation
    from the conflict in Iraq.
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    On January 20th, four humanitarian aid workers from the French organization, SOS Chretiens d'Orient, went missing while in Baghdad. Details were limited, providing no information on those responsible nor the reasons behind the disappearance. For a previously posted report on this situation, go to this report.

    Read more...

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