This last month in Baghdad and at St George's has been filled with joy and hope. As ever in Iraq, we have also seen suffering, tensions and tragedy. Several people have died during the demonstrations across Iraq, and dozens have been killed in sectarian violence. Please do continue to pray for us.
Here are few memories from this last month in Baghdad...
25 February
A Day of Rage
During this last month, nationwide protests have rocked Iraq, mirroring the turmoil spreading across the Middle East.
February 25 was dubbed Iraq's Day of Rage - a national rally decrying political corruption, unemployment and a shortage of basic facilities like food, electricity and water.
The mass demonstration followed weeks of smaller protests throughout Iraq.
The scale of the protests was unprecedented. Iraq was under total lockdown. A curfew was imposed and the threat of violence was very real. Thank you so much for all your prayers during this time. Demonstrations are ongoing, so please do continue to pray for peace on the streets and a helpful outcome of the protests.
10 March
A miracle to be back!
After a brief visit to the UK this month, it was wonderful to be back in Baghdad.
Moreover, it was something of a miracle.
I knew that it would be difficult getting back inside Iraq with the current visa restrictions - the authorities having stopped issuing most - but this was the worst entry into Iraq I ever had.
They were about to put me back on the plane to Jordan when two of my close friends intervened. Senior Christian parliamentarian, Yonadam Kanna, and former National Security Adviser, Dr Mowaffak Al Rubbaie.
I knew I would get back in - with G-d, all is possible.
A growing church
Meanwhile, back at St George's our lay pastor, Faiz, said we had a problem. Within the space of two weeks, we were delighted to have welcomed many new faces to the church.
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.
15 March
A Bishop calls
Last week, we were absolutely delighted to be joined in Baghdad by Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali.
Bishop Nazir-Ali, who is Director of the Oxford Centre for Training, Research, Advocacy and Dialogue, visited St George's, met with several of the country's Christian and Muslim leaders with me, and discussed the cross-sectarian dialogue initiated at our Foundation's summit of Iraq's religious leaders, held in Copenhagen earlier this year.
Bishop Nazir-Ali said he was amazed at the level of disruption there is in people's lives still in Iraq, but was also very taken with how loving and united our congregation is at St George's.
He said the dialogue begun at the Copenhagen meeting should continue so that the peace among the different communities could be strengthened.
A highlight of his visit was him preaching in Arabic - a hit at St George's!
Off to the USA
This week, I swap Iraq for Bill and Beni Johnson's Bethel Church in Redding, California. On Friday (7pm) and Sunday (6pm) evening, I will speak at the Bethel church. For more information about Bethel, visit www.ibethel.org
On the Monday I travel to Chicago, where I will see General Rea, and speak at the wonderful Wheaton College. I will lead a lecture
at Wheaton on the evening of Tuesday March 29 hosted by the Center for Applied Christian Ethics, Bible and Theology, and International Studies
I've also been asked to visit Rick Warren at the Saddleback Church.
I'm greatly looking forward to my trip, and will be sure to keep you updated about my time there.
