While in Iraq recently, I was pleased to meet several Christians who are serving their neighbors, even in the midst of their own personal suffering. These “Jesus followers” have lost almost everything that this world values, and they continue to boldly proclaim their faith. They shine brightly in a place that has been darkened by loss, sorrow and hopelessness.
I was reminded of Zephaniah 3:9, where God promises to restore. He will restore so that “they all may call on the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one accord.” Another translation reads “serve him shoulder to shoulder.” That is exactly what we are called to do: to serve God shoulder to shoulder with our family members.
One of the deepest joys for field workers who serve with The Voice of the Martyrs is to stand with these sisters and brothers who are courageously and faithfully following Jesus in the most difficult circumstances.
An Iraqi sister lost everything in Mosul and was forced to flee to a neighboring city. Now, she labors every day, ministering to those who have also been displaced. As she suffers personally, she ministers to those who are suffering in similar ways, at the same time and in the same location.
In this brief video, listen as she asks for your prayers.
You will hear her say, “We ask them to pray for the Muslim Iraqi people. We pray for peace for our Iraq. We love Iraq so much.”
She continues by asking Christians who are praying for Iraq to pray specifically for one profound request. She says, “Pray for the Christians not to leave Iraq. Really, we are here, the light and the salt of this nation.”
Will you take a moment, wherever you are, right now, to pray with her? Please join her in praying that Christians will not leave Iraq. Pray that they will stay and shine. And pray for VOM as we stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Iraqis who are giving everything they have in service to our King!
Dr. Jason Peters serves in VOM’s International Ministries department, traveling frequently to meet with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Jason and Kimberly have been married for over twenty years, and have five children who are actively engaged in standing with their persecuted family members.
Comments