“To achieve for us an eternal glory that far outweighs all”
In Iraq, Muslim converts to Christianity often face severe persecution, including beatings, kidnappings, and even death, as reported by Faithwire. Jeff King, chairman of International Christian Concern (ICC), recently appeared on CBN News’ Newsmakers podcast, shedding light on the dire circumstances faced by Christians in Iraq, a southwestern Asian country.
King explained that the level of persecution converts experience depends on the degree of Islamic fundamentalism within their families or communities. “In very fundamentalist families, abduction and assaults are often the mildest forms of response,” he stated.
He elaborated further: “This is followed by torture, which can last for weeks, and sometimes even murder. For Westerners, it may be hard to comprehend, but this torture is often carried out by family members themselves.”
According to the Open Doors World Watch List, which ranks countries based on the intensity of Christian persecution, Iraq is currently the 16th most dangerous country for Christians.
In such high-risk countries, “Muslim converts to Christianity frequently endure intense pressure from their families and communities,” Open Doors reports. “They may face threats, abuse, severed family ties, and even death. Conversion often results in severe consequences, including loss of inheritance rights and diminished opportunities.”
King highlighted the ICC’s long-standing involvement in Iraq, including during the rise of ISIS, an Islamic fundamentalist terrorist group that wreaked havoc in the region. He described the devastation caused by ISIS, stating, “ISIS invaded Christian areas, forcibly displaced entire communities, and destroyed infrastructure, including villages and wells. Their aim was to annihilate a Christian presence in Iraq that had endured for over a thousand years.”
In response, ICC has worked to rehabilitate Christian areas, including supporting Christian-owned businesses and rebuilding essential infrastructure like wells. However, persecution remains ongoing. “The sacrifices continue, and the damaged legacy still awaits full restoration,” King added.
King also raised concerns about the Iraqi parliament potentially passing legislation that he described as the “legalization of child rape.” The bill would lower the age of consent for girls from 18 to 9, which he attributed to the influence of fundamentalist Islam. (Source: Evangelical Prayer Newspaper Summary)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
God, we pray for Your divine protection over the lives of believers in Iraq who face extreme persecution. They endure abuse, violence, and even threats of death from their own families and communities because of their decision to follow Christ. Lord, comfort their hearts and fill them with Your peace as they keep their eyes fixed on the eternal glory that far outweighs their present suffering. We ask that the schemes of those who twist the law for their own greed and gain be exposed and brought to justice. May the truth and faith of Your people shine brightly in the darkness. Let the gospel of Christ echo across this land, bringing salvation and transformation to many.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
