What could persuade you to stay in a place where the fears of being killed, tortured or kidnapped arises each day? For many Christians in Iraq, it is their conviction that they have been called to be the light and love of Christ to a place threatened by darkness.
Since the invasion of so-called Islamic State in north east Iraq in 2014, many Christians have fled the country. Though their numbers have dwindled, many remain, defiantly holding out the peace of the gospel.
VIDEO SCRIPT
Bishop Chimun
It was my 16th birthday. I remember we woke up and we found a bullet, folded with a paper dipped into the blood. We opened the paper, and it was written that you need to leave in 24 hours. Otherwise, you are going to be killed. That threat was made by al-Qaida because of our faith.
Although Christians are a minority in Iraq, believers have worked in the country since the first century.
Shifaa
The Christian influence is present in history and is evident and witnessed in all aspects. This is not only true of modern history, but Christians and Christianity had exerted an effective influence on society.
Bishop Chimun
I remember just in m, suburb where I lived, there were like about 150,000 Iraqi Christians in Baghdad, and that was just a suburb.
Since ISIS took control in northeastern Iraq in 2014 many Christians have fled Iraq for their safety. Fewer than 200,000 Christians remain in the country, where they continue to face pressure.
Michael
Many of my relatives had fled because of the persecution, the kidnaping, the killing, including my mother, my father, my brother, my uncle’s wife. My uncle died as a martyr. He was kidnapped, horribly tortured and killed.
Bishop Chimun
They were saying that we are paying to stay in this country, and we paid big time.
We paid our lives, we paid with our future. So we cannot give another sacrifice anymore to stay in this country.
Despite the risks and pressure, some Christians have chosen to remain as witnesses to Christ’s love. and, Canan also, I can describe the role of Christian as the existing, like, the can, activism.
I can describe the role of Christians as the existing light. This is a quote from one of the leaders one of the most dangerous areas. When I asked him why Christians are important he said:
‘Christians are like a light that. Imagine how dark it would be if this light were extinguished. We are here, and we have a responsibility to keep this light shining.
Michael
The presence of the church in Iraq is very important. Without the church Christians are without shelter.
Bishop Chimun
One of the reasons that led me to stay is to give a testament to the youth. To be the hope carrier for the Christians generations in Iraq
I’m requesting your prayers that our people may have hope, to stay in Iraq to represent the image of Christ in Iraq, because we need that example, the example of love and the example of forgiveness in this country.
Shifaa
It’s true that there’s persecution and it’s true that the future is unclear, but we want to have a strong church and to always be a beacon of faith in the region.
People Interviewed and their Titles
Bishop Chimun
Shifaa
Michael
Recording Location
Iraq
Organization featured in this Story
Open Doors UK – www.opendoorsuk.org
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