A 29-year-old Christian man was recently tortured and killed by members of al Qaida in Kirkuk, Iraq. On May 13, Ashur Issa Yaqub was kidnapped. His captors reportedly demanded $100,000 for his release. Three days later, his body was recovered, bearing marks of brutal torture. According to a local pastor, his kidnappers had reportedly pressured Ashur's employer to fire him because he was a Christian. "Because the contractor was rich and they couldn't do anything to him, they kidnapped Ashur, and unfortunately they killed him," the pastor said. Ashur leaves to mourn a wife and three children.
Pray Ashur's widow and children will know the peace, presence and comfort of Jesus. Pray Christians in Kirkuk will look to Christ for strength and continue to walk His path of faithful perseverance. Pray those responsible for the murder will know the Spirit's conviction of sin and the Father's offer of forgiveness, and turn to new life in the Son.
By working with credible ministry partners, VOMC is providing persecuted Christian women sewing skills training so they can receive a sustainable source of income and thus adequately support their families. In addition, these women are able to seize the opportunities presented to them through their new businesses by serving as effective witnesses for Christ.
Ethnicity (%) Arab (75-80), Kurdish (15-20), Turkoman, Assyrian, and other (5)
Religion (%) Islam (95-98), Christianity (1), other (1-4)
Leader President Barham Salih (2018)
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.
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 refu
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
Some of the devastation from the conflict in Iraq. Photo: World Watch Monitor
On January 20th, four workers affiliated with the French organization, SOS Chretiens d'Orient, went missing while in Baghdad. Despite repeated attempts to contact them, no response has been received to date. At last report
Hundreds of Iraqi Christian families had recently returned to their hometown of Teleskuf, after being displaced for years due to attacks perpetrated by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group, only to be forced to flee their northern Iraq community all over again. These families hav
A 29-year-old Christian man was recently tortured and killed by members of al Qaida in Kirkuk, Iraq. On May 13, Ashur Issa Yaqub was kidnapped. His captors reportedly demanded $100,000 for his release. Three days later, his body was recovered, bearing marks of brutal torture. According to a local pastor, his kidnappers had reportedly pressured Ashur's employer to fire him because he was a Christian. "Because the contractor was rich and they couldn't do anything to him, they kidnapped Ashur, and unfortunately they killed him," the pastor said. Ashur leaves to mourn a wife and three children.
Population
