Dear Friends,
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When I return to the UK I
will be joined by four wonderful Iraqi young people: Lena, Yusef,
Laith and Stephanie.
The team that will visit the UK  |
These are four individuals who have endured half a lifetime surrounded by war, bombings and the threat of terror - since 2003. What an opportunity for them to meet those who are praying for and supporting the ministry of St. George's Church. As you can see we have listed the dates and times of the public meetings they will be involved with. Do come to any of these events if you are able.
An eventful weekend
It has been yet another hectic weekend in Baghdad! Friday primarily involved a time ministry in the US Embassy and we
also held some events for youth. Saturday was the Mother's Union service, I
shared in a wedding at the Syrian Catholic Church, and there were a series of
British and US Embassy events, followed by dinner. We were very pleased that a
British delegation was present in the US service, as we had included Lord
Kirkwood.
Sunday was of
course the weekly St. George's services. Our theme was Job (Ayoub). When the
Bishop was last here we drove between Ezekiel's tomb and Babylon and I noticed
a big shrine I had not seen before. I asked whose shrine it was; it was Ayoub's.
Job in Iraq
I did not even
know that Job was in Iraq. I read everything about him but obviously learnt
most form the book of Job. I saw he was from Uz, which simply means "the east".
It is the word that Ezekiel used to talk about where the glory of G-d would
come from to return to Jerusalem (Ezekiel chapter 43).
From the book of Job I learned that the early attacks on his people were by the
Sabbists and Chaldeans. They are
Iraqis and are not found anywhere else.
Abraham was also from
Ur of the Chaldeans and Job was probably not far behind him in history - the
book of Job is indeed the oldest book in Scripture and one of the most
significant. How Job suffered from other people and his health and yet he
proclaims at the end of the book: "before I had heard of you oh Lord, but
now I have seen you with my own eyes".
These words mean so much to us here. The suffering may be great but so is the
glory of the Almighty. These words mean so much to us. Despite the terrible
pain and suffering we know without doubt that the Lord is here and his Spirit
is with us.
Bishop Andreas Abouna
Today, Monday, has been a sad day. We have had the funeral of Bishop Andreas
Abouna, a Chaldean Bishop who was the assistant to Cardinal Patriarch Deli. I
have known him for many years since he was the priest in London. He recently
had a renal transplant that we paid for and provided the anti rejection drugs,
but his kidney problems continued. He was a wonderful friend, a man of G-d and is
being referred to as the bishop "who was always smiling". He passed away at 67.
Safety and finances
The threat of terror and
violence is still looming. Figures were published yesterday that reveal July
2010 has seen the highest death toll in Iraq for two years. This has been
strongly refuted by the US military, but figures
from the Iraqi health, defence and interior ministries show 396
civilians, 89 policemen and 50 soldiers were killed, with another 1,043
people left wounded. The reality is that it certainly looks and as if
the violence and murders have increased when you see things from street level.
Finally, I ask your prayers for our great financial difficulties which always
occur in August and September. The Lord will provide!
With every
blessing from Baghdad,
Andrew
Canon Andrew White,
Baghdad, Iraq
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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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The visit of the Iraqi young people
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FRRME Job Opportunity
| Please pray that we find the right person for this role - and do mention it to those relevant within your social networks.
We are looking for a Finance Assistant to support David, our new Finance Manager. The successful applicant will become a key part of our small but capable team of staff based in Petersfield, Hampshire.
Salary:
£16,800-£20,000 pro rata (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Please apply by CV and covering letter.
Email David Grove: office@frrme.org for a person specification and job description, or visit www.frrme.org
Deadline: 2nd September
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Verse of the Week
Job 42:1&2
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"Then Job answered the LORD and said: "I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You."
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