Historically known as Nineveh, the city is the traditional heartland of Iraq's church. The vast majority of Christians there, up to 1,000 families, are said to have joined the exodus of around half a million residents fleeing the desolation. The army has also reportedly fled.
According to Canon Andrew White, a partner of VOMC, the situation is extremely volatile. "Things are so bad now in Iraq; the worst they have ever been. Most of our people come from Nineveh and still see that as their home. Now the Christian centre of Iraq has been totally ransacked. The tanks are moving into the Christian villages, destroying them and causing total carnage."
The concerned ministerial leader further explains that ISIS has "totally taken control, destroyed all government departments, allowed all prisoners out of the prisons, killed countless numbers of people...." The resulting devastation is heartbreaking, for he adds, "There are bodies all over the streets."
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Iraqis have fled to Kurdistan to escape this humanitarian crisis.
In the midst of such unimaginable suffering and chaos, let us bring this deplorable situation to the throne of our Almighty God, with the assurance that He is ultimately in control of this world. Pray that He will greatly use His people to extend peace and grace to those struggling and in pain. Ask Him to provide for the immediate needs of the many thousands of refugees, also granting long-term solutions that will lead to the country's peace and stability. Finally, pray that the militants who are waging this ruthless violence against the innocent will repent and come to faith in Jesus Christ.
To watch a short video on how ISIS is brutalizing believers in Iraq, please visit our
multimedia site.
VIETNAM: Bible School Raided, Students and Pastors Beaten
Sources: VOM Canada Ministry Partners, VOM Australia
At 11 p.m. on June 9th, several hundred people -- including police, government officials, civil defense authorities and hired thugs -- raided the Mennonite Bible School in Binh Duong province.
After breaking through the gate, the assailants began ransacking the buildings, pelting hundreds of stones onto the roof and damaging several doors. They also rounded up and beat 47 students and 29 pastors, some of whom were attending a pastor's retreat at the Bible school. Police also brutally attacked the school's principal, Pastor Nguyen Hong Quang. More than 20 were injured in the attack and were prevented from seeking medical help.
The attackers finally dispersed about two hours later. Despite the intimidation, Pastor Quang is determined to continue the work of the Bible school. (To read about a previous attack on this pastor and school,
visit our website.)
As the students, staff and pastors recover from this unwarranted attack, pray that God will grant them full physical and emotional healing. May those who require medical attention be permitted by authorities to receive the care they need. Thank the Lord for the ongoing faithfulness of Pastor Quang. Pray that the unwavering witness of this pastor and other dedicated Christian leaders in Vietnam will be used mightily, serving as Godly examples to both other believers and those who have yet to receive salvation in Christ. Please also pray that Vietnam's authorities will respect religious freedom for all citizens and cease from perpetrating further attacks against this school.
To learn more about Vietnam's persecuted church, please visit our
online country report.
UGANDA: Injured Pastor Celebrates Homecoming
Source: VOM USA
On May 25th, a pastor who was severely injured for his Christian witness was able to return home to his wife, six children and congregation in Kampala.
Pastor Umar Mulinde, a former Muslim, was brutally attacked on Christmas Eve in 2011 by militants who were angered over his leadership of a thriving church that consists of more than 1,000 believers. The pastor was left with serious injuries after the assailants poured acid over his face and back before fleeing the scene shouting, "Allahu Akbar." (For more information on the attack, please
visit our website.)
In the following months, the militants continued to threaten the pastor and the church. In July of 2012, they sent a note to the church with the warning, "Don't think you survived us." Acid was poured over the church veranda the following February.
Through the support of various groups, including VOMC's sister mission in the USA, Pastor Umar was able to receive medical care in Israel. This past February, he underwent his eighth facial surgery to reconstruct his ear and save his hearing. The pastor has since been told by doctors that he is now able to resume all normal activities.
Pastor Umar's church is planning to host a celebration service on June 21st, in spite of ongoing threats. Although police will provide security, local Christians are asking for prayer. They earnestly desire that God's Word be spread at this upcoming event.
Thank the Lord that Pastor Umar was able to return home to his family and friends in Uganda! May his enduring faith serve as a powerful witness to those opposed to the Gospel. Please also pray that God will greatly bless the upcoming celebration service. May the congregation enjoy a time of rejoicing and praise, while also spreading God's Word throughout the community. Ask the Lord to grant peace and safety to all those who attend the upcoming celebration event and all future church meetings or services.
Join us in praising God for Pastor Umar's healing! You can post your own prayers of thanksgiving on our
Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.
