Bombings in Iraq Keep Christians in Fear
Turkey
(MNN) -- At least 27 people died and 100 were wounded Wednesday when
three car bombs ripped through a southern Iraqi city. Rival Shiite
groups have been battling for control of oil and power. The violence
has forced thousands of Christians out of Iraq. Some say 90-percent of
the Christian population is gone. Many are refugees in Turkey. World Evangelical Alliances'
Johan Candelin says they're now his mission. "The challenge is huge,
but it's better to do a little than to do nothing. So that's why I'm
going there to comfort them, to share the Gospel about the birth of
Jesus Christ and bring them some food and toys for the children."
Candelin says he's helping a
small group of 2,000 who have had loved ones killed or kidnapped. "Many
have had children that have been taken away. Once they got them back,
they left the country. So unfortunately, the Christian population in
Iraq is leaving the country very fast. It is becoming a totally Muslim
country, unfortunately."