Dear Friends,
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Another typical week has passed
by in Baghdad - several packed church gatherings, diplomatic work, media
appointments, religious engagements, violence, terror, death and destruction
all around. It's very hard. And
exhausting. But it's by the grace of G-d we survive and keep going. Our Lord
enables us to keep moving forward, even though we do not even know what the
next hour may bring. We know we cannot stop thinking and planning ahead.
The ordination of Faiz
Much of our current focus surrounds
the ordination of Faiz. An ordination is always significant and exciting but
this occasion is especially important. Out of the ashes of the devastation that surrounds us, an
Iraqi man will be ordained into the Anglican Communion. After serving St. George's Church for
several years and has trained amongst all the difficulties and very serious
threats that come his way. Such
large thanks are due to our Bishop for enabling this process and to the Lord
for making it all happen. Faiz's mother has said she has dreamt of this her
whole life - and now it is finally happening.
Our Lord answers our prayers and
can give us the desires of our heart in ways we never thought possible. This
does not just apply to Iraq, but in the USA, England, Ireland, Europe, Africa
and throughout the whole world.
Religious Leaders Conference
A major event this week has been the conference in Baghdad entitled
"Religious Leaders Fighting Corruption". It was chaired by me and
dealt with this major issue which is preventing Iraq from moving forward. They
agreed on a comprehensive declaration running to 25 points that details the
steps that they would take to tackle corruption at all levels of Iraqi society.
The final point was regarding the formation of a Religious Leaders' Anti
Corruption Forum, which I have been asked to direct. I have of course agreed. It
is very positive that, at last, the religious leaders are dealing with this
issue. The Americans have asked us to head this up and it is so good to
have a good relationship with staff in the US embassy. The conference was not
only attended by one of the US Ambassadors but several other senior US staff
including the command chaplain to the US military here.
The conference required much work before and now with the forum the real hard
work begins. We continue to need your prayers for all our immense work,
protection and funding.
Update on General David Petreaus
Whilst we are glad that General
Petreaus is going to Afghanistan we are very sorry about the circumstance which
led to this. Gen Petreaus knows of our work from his time serving in Iraq and
he has been very supportive, especially of the religious sectarian work.
We also acknowledge that this will have a major effect on my next planned visit
to the USA in September. I was going primarily to the USA to see Gen Petreaus
and was going to add on NJ and Lexington, Kentucky. Today I will see if what is
possible. I apologise for any of these changes but General's moves do effect
me.
Grace, peace and blessings,
Canon Andrew White,
Baghdad
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For more information on the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East please visit our website
www.FRRME.org |
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Speaking Engagements
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There are some dates that Andrew is available when he returns from Baghdad.
FRRME's Director of Operations, Peter Marsden is also available to speak - including men's breakfasts and midweek meetings.
Upcoming events:
14th July - Connect Conference, Dorset. 7pm
18th - St. Mary's Church, Walberton. 6pm
Free dates for Canon White in July:
Friday
16th
Sunday 18th - AM
Monday 19th
Wednesday 21st
Thurs
22nd
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24-7 Prayer Bulletin
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Would you like to be added to our weekly prayer update? You will receive one every Friday afternoon, outlining the prayer needs of FRRME, Canon White and St. George's Church.
This is an excellent opportunity to support the work we do.
There is no pressure to do so, but you can also sign up for a weekly half-hour prayer slot.
Email: office@FRRME.org
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Verse of the Week
Jeremiah 23:24
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"Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares
the LORD. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD."
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