IRAQ - Open Doors
In 2020, Imagine Nations Church partnered with Open Doors to support Centres of Hope in Iraq. This project established safe houses that are used to help rebuild the lives of persecuted Christians who have been displaced, oppressed or isolated because of their faith.
PERSECUTION IN IRAQ
Conflict and Islamic extremist ideology influence all corners of society in Iraq. Extremists often violently attack and kidnap Christians as they work to cleanse the nation of religious minorities,
COVID-19 has only made the situation worse, forcing the church further underground as the Islamic State has resurged.
One Iraqi church leader said: “Because of the persecution, many Christians left Iraq. You could say that the church is at risk of disappearing. When I was ordained as a priest in 2012, my congregation had 130 families. Nowadays, we have 30 families left. Overall, more than 40% of Iraqi Christians left the country over the last ten years.”
YOUR IMPACT
In response to the desperate need of our brothers and sisters in Iraq, Imagine Nations Church partnered with Open Doors to establish safe houses for those who have lost everything to war and persecution. Now, your generosity is impacting countless lives, equipping Iraqi believers to faithfully remain in communities that desperately need the light of Jesus.
Currently, your support is providing:
› Safe access to community facilities, including water and electricity
› Job-provision programs
› Marriage courses and youth activities › Discipleship for new believers
Father Daniel, the leader of two congregations in Iraq, explained the value of these donations.
“Our supporters help us to go through the dark times. They are like a light; an encouragement to us, to not give up in this journey. It’s impossible to mention
all the things that we've done with the help of our supporters. It is too much.
My dream for the Christians in Iraq is to reflect the salt and light that Jesus talks about in the Holy Bible. I think there is a message in the midst of all war and conflicts, the message that we do have a role to play here, the role to change this country.
All the help we're getting, they empower us to accomplish this dream, this big dream. If the worldwide Church stopped supporting us, we might lose our dream of rebuilding and protecting the Christian community in Iraq.
You helped us to stay; gave us love and support.”
From the Iraqi church and the team at Open Doors, thank you for helping rebuild the lives of persecuted Christians in Iraq. With your support we are ensuring the presence of the church in one of the most difficult countries to follow Jesus.
