“And to know that there are people in this world who are
persecuted because of their faith should be a warning — to you who live
in freedom — to become better, stronger Christians, and a spur to
demonstrating your own faith as you confront the difficulties of your
own society, as well as to the recognition that you too are confronted
with a certain degree of persecution because of your faith, even in the
West.”
~ The Chaldean archbishop of the Iraqi city of Mosul, Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona
It seems that I am constantly writing updates on our brothers and sisters in Christ in the ISIS controlled areas of Mesopotamia. The situation there is constantly deteriorating. I’m going to spend some time here explaining what is going on and things you can do to help. If you are feeling any of the feelings I am, you are angry, want to help, praying fervently, and crying in anguish. I am using these feelings/emotions to help others learn/understand and act. I am still learning as well. But I hope to help others gain the knowledge of how to help.
This image is being used throughout the social media world. People are changing their profile pictures to this image in order to show their solidarity with the Christians in the ISIS controlled areas.
The image is the Arabic letter for “N”. In Arabic, the word used for Christians is derived from the same word as “Nazarene.” ISIS gave Christians an ultimatum: convert or die. After this ultimatum was given, ISIS went through and labeled Christian houses, stores, etc with this letter. It indicates that the property is to be seized by ISIS because it belongs to Christians. Does this remind you of another time in history (WWII)? Christians around the world are using this picture to bring attention to the plight of Christians in the Islamic State (IS – previously known as ISIS).
You can send money through International Christian Concern to help out the displaced Christians in the area. This is a legitimate organization that is helping these families, who now have nothing. You can go to this link to donate. Remember to print a receipt as your donation is tax deductible (US citizens).
If you want to read about their program in Iraq/Syria, you can go to this link. This organization is providing food, water, sleeping supplies, and more. They have also been able to show the Jesus movie to help uplift these Christians. Many commented on how seeing the movie helped them their burdens become lighter by seeing how Jesus suffered for them.
Money is also being accepted through OpenDoors. They are providing food, water, and shelter. This is also a reputable institution and your donation is tax deductible.
I encourage you to write you representatives. Check out the Country Contact page for info on where/how to send. I will update it as frequently as I find information. OpenDoors, an advocacy group for persecuted Christians, has asked that people write the Iraqi Ambassador in Australia.
“WRITING- to the
Iraqi Ambassador in Australia who gives millions of dollars in aid to
Iraq to encourage them to act. We want them to ensure there are better
safeguards in place for Christians who want to stay and be a witness in
Iraq.”
I will try and find the information to this person.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/needed-food-for-displaced-iraqis/
http://followldm.blogspot.com/2014/08/iraqi-christians-chance-to-support-and.html
There are approximately 6,000 Christians that have been displaced since June. I say approximately because the number is hard to estimate. This number comes from UNHCR. However, unlike other internally displaced people, Christians are not staying in camps. They are staying with host families, churches, etc. This means that they aren’t necessarily registered with the UN. So, these are the best estimates.
Keep in mind, that this number does not include the Christians that were displaced before June. This number is solely on the last two months. There has been an exodus happening for several years now.
ISIS is not only driving the Christians out, but it is attacking churches. Many of these churches are over 1200 years old. Remember, these areas are where Christianity got its start. Damascus (Syria) is where Saul (Paul) had his conversion experience. ISIS is also destroying places that are revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Places like the burial place of Jonah, the prophet.
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| From Breaking Christian News. Prophet Jonah’s Tomb |
But that’s not enough. ISIS is not just killing Christians, it is crucifying them. There are reports out of Syria (and videos) of Christians being crucified. The media has not extensively covered this, but it is happening.
The President of Iraq issued a statement condemning, “the extreme criminality and terrorist nature of [IS].” Keep in mind, the President is Muslim.
The Pope said, “I learned with great concern the news that came from the Christian
communities in Mosul (…) Today they are persecuted. Our brothers are
persecuted. They’ve been driven away. They must leave their homes
without being able to take anything with them.”
A Bishop of the Chaldean Church (Iraq Christians) pleaded with the world to act. He said that everyone is remaining silent; Christians, Muslims, others… “We haven’t heard from clerics from all sects or from the government,” “The Christians are sacrificed for Iraq.”
Representative Frank Wolf (of Virginia) is trying to get Congress and the President to act. Check out this link to read about what he is doing. Thank you Rep. Wolf for speaking up!
http://voiceofthepersecuted.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/wolf-genocide-taking-place-in-iraq/
