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A prayer for our growing church
'God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence.'
Dear friends,
St George's welcomes new faces
Andrew returned to Baghdad on Monday, and is overjoyed to be with his congregation at St George's once more.
Upon his return, he was also delighted to discover that St George's Church has welcomed around 200 new worshippers to its family within the last two weeks.
The last six months have been devastating for Christians in Iraq. More than 120 Christians were killed during the surge in extremist attacks on the community. Thousands fled the country, or sought refuge in the relative peace of the north.
Our own congregation dwindled for a time, as families sought safety away from Iraq.
Many chose to remain in the country, many others couldn't afford to leave.
And today, our church is growing once more.
The fear is not yet gone, nor is the threat of violence. But to welcome so many new people in a such a short space of time is a wonderful encouragement. Thank you, so much for your prayers and your support.
Please do continue to pray for the people of St George's. Please pray for their safety as they travel to and from church, as they worship, in their homes and at work.
Please pray that the newest additions to our church family will feel at home, grow in faith, and find friendship in our community.
Spiritual, and physical, needs
St George's works in the community to provide for the practical, immediate needs of local people, as well as providing spiritual sanctuary and friendship, in a place of hope and forgiveness. Please do pray that the Lord will provide enough to enable us to support our growing community in their practical, as well as spiritual needs. It costs the church $10,000 each month to provide church members and those in greatest need with the food supplies they desperately need. Our resources are greatly stretched, so please do pray.
A time of tension
Mass demonstrations continue to be held throughout Iraq, aiming to highlight political corruption, unemployment and a shortage of basic facilities including food, electricity and water.
The protests have seen groups gather in their hundreds across the country, from Baghdad to the normally peaceful Kurdish region in the north. One man in Sulaimaniya, in the north, tried to set himself alight just hours ago.
The protests have been largely overshadowed by other news in the Middle East. Today, however, reports suggested that tensions within Iraq were rising. Concerns have been raised as to whether further sectarian violence will soon follow.
Please do pray for stability, for peaceful demonstrations, and acceptable outcomes. For the safety of the people. A sad farewell Andrew has asked that you remember Stephanie, his personal assistant in Iraq, in your prayers. Stephanie may well be leaving Andrew, as she looks to make the journey to America. The situation facing her remains uncertain. Please do pray that her path will become clear, that she will know the strength and love of God as she takes her next steps, and that wherever she is, she will find friendship and support. Lent reflections Please do remember us in your prayers this Lent. For some reflections, images and points to bear in mind, click here for our Lent poster. If you experience any problems downloading it, do feel free to email me at jenny@frrme.org and I'll be sure to get one to you. We'd be very grateful if you could display it in your churches, and share with others the work we're doing. To recieve further resources to share, email me at jenny@frrme.org Thank you, so much, for your continued prayers. If you have a prayer for our work which you'd like to share, I'd love to hear from you. Every blessing
Jenny Williams jenny@frrme.org
Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East
www.FRRME.org
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