On April 26, three Christians were killed and two others wounded in Kirkuk, Iraq, according to CNN.com.
Local police in southern Kirkuk told CNN attackers slit the throats of a Christian woman and her daughter-in-law, killing them both. Meanwhile in a nearby neighborhood gunmen attacked another Christian family shooting the father and his three sons. One of the sons died instantly and the others were wounded.
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks on Christians that have occurred in Iraq in recent years. In October 2008, more than seven Christians were killed and more than 200 families displaced. The Christian community in Iraq is estimated to be 3 percent of Iraq's 26 million people, or about 800,000. Since 2003, Christian leaders, churches and businesses in Iraq have been targeted by Islamic extremists. As a result, many believers have fled.
The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for these families as they mourn their loss and for healing for those injured. VOM supports persecuted believers in Iraq and in 2008 responded with 300 Action Packs to help persecuted and displaced believers in Mosul. Ask God to protect believers in Iraq as they risk all for their faith.
