Greetings from Baghdad where it is certainly warmer than England. I do hope and pray that the snow won't stop me from returning to be with my family for Christmas.
This weekend has been one of celebration despite all the difficulties. On Saturday we had our carol services at the US Embassy and we were joined also by the British Embassy. We celebrated the coming of our Lord in the usual very unusual way, in this most unusual place.
Islamic leaders visit St George's
On Sunday we did the same at St George's. Once again it was an unusual service in that we had with us several key Islamic leaders who came to show solidarity with the Christians at this difficult time, together with our friend Neil Jago from the British Embassy.
Many of the members of our church have suffered intensely in the past month, yet they were still with us in their hundreds as we celebrated the birth of our new-born King. When you have lost everything Jesus is indeed all you have left.
Christmas shoeboxes
All of the children were given a Samaritan Purse shoe box full of gifts that mean so much to them here, so well done everybody who fills these shoe boxes. They really do make a huge difference to us here. We are so grateful to everybody who has given to us in the lead up to Christmas. We know that it can be a difficult time financially for many people and we thank you for remembering us.
The exodus continues
The sadness of people leaving continues. This morning I wrote the recommendation for the family of Christina and all her family. She is one of the children who wrote part of the "Suffer the Children" book. My dear Fulla, who is like a daughter to me, is now in Chicago and finding life there difficult. Yesterday she was crying saying she wanted to come home to Baghdad. How I wish she was here.
If any of my friends in the Chicago could make contact with her it would be much appreciated. She is there with her wonderful family and those of you in the military who were in Iraq will have seen her as she used to come to the embassy chapel with me. If you can make contact with her please do let me know on apbw2@cam.ac.uk and I will put you in touch.
My thanks to you
Finally I would like to thank all of you who have supported us in the past year by G-d's grace we have been able to do all we had to do because of you.
Be blessed,
