Prayers for the New Year
31st December 2010
James 3: 17-18
The wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,
considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of rightousness.
To our 24/7 prayer team, thank you so much for your continued support. Have a blessed New Year.
Further attacks on Christians
Today we awoke to news of further attacks on Christians in Iraq.
Two people died and around 16 were injured in a series of bomb attacks on Christian homes in Baghdad. The homemade explosives detonated in six locations around the capital last night.
Christians in Baghdad told FRRME they feared 2011 would bring further extremist attacks on their churches and homes. Some Christian parents spoke of fears for the safety of their children, even at school.
And yet they approach 2011 in faith, hope and love.
One eight-year-old girl in Baghdad told us this morning: "I lift 2011 to the Lord. I pray that people will not kill us. I hope they will love us, because Jesus taught us to 'Love each other as I first loved you.'"
As we enter 2011, please pray for our continued work toward reconciliation and relief in Iraq.
Copenhagen Crisis Summit
In January, FRRME will host an emergency summit of Iraq's religious leaders in Copenhagen.
The leaders have agreed to unite in a bid to end sectarian violence gripping the country. The High Council of Religious Leaders in Iraq (HCRLI), which includes senior religious figures from across Iraq's faith and ethnic groups, will gather between January 11-14.
Negotiations will be difficult and delicate. These men have significant enmity towards each other. If they can work together they have the power to bring peace. If not, things will only get worse.
Please pray for the safe travel of all participants, for fruitful talks, for a step toward peace. Pray that the meetings may provide a foundation for lasting friendships between these leaders. Please pray for the FRRME team, as they work to ensure that the summit runs smoothly, and for Canon Andrew, as he chairs the talks.
Financial challenges
Financial challenges are ever-pressing. We have been blessed this year through the grace of God and generosity of our supporters. But funds, as ever, are thin.
We pray that this coming year, we will find the funds to continue our work, and provide vital relief for the people of Iraq.
Thank you, so much, for your continued prayers. Every blessing to you in the coming year.
Jenny Williams
jenny@frrme.org
Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East
www.FRRME.org
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