A group of unidentified attackers bombed the entrance of a Catholic church in Mosul, Iraq on November 1, destroying the doors and windows. According to a November 10 report from Compass Direct, the blast happened at the Dominican Clock Church while Dominican priests were holding evening prayers. The exterior iron doors were shattered and two sets of wood doors were flattened by the blast. There were no injuries.
Though no one has claimed responsibility for the bombing, sources do not believe that the bombing was a random act saying. One source that could not be identified told Compass Direct, "You don't set off a blast that big unless you are planning something more."
Pray that the Christians in Mosul will be encouraged to continue to meet together despite opposition (Hebrews 10:23). Ask that their persecution will embolden their faith (Acts 4:29 -31). Pray that the violence against their church will cease. Thank the Lord that no one was harmed during these attacks.
For more information on the challenges facing Iraq's Christians, click here.
Current Ministry Project
By working with credible ministry partners, VOMC is providing persecuted Christian women sewing skills training so they can receive a sustainable source of income and thus adequately support their families. In addition, these women are able to seize the opportunities presented to them through their new businesses by serving as effective witnesses for Christ.
Ethnicity (%) Arab (75-80), Kurdish (15-20), Turkoman, Assyrian, and other (5)
Religion (%) Islam (95-98), Christianity (1), other (1-4)
Leader President Barham Salih (2018)
Government type Federal parliamentary republic Legal system Mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Iraq
Pray for the protection of the remaining believers in Iraq during this time of upheaval and danger. May many churches and Christian relief organizations seize the opportunity to provide greatly needed assistance and ministry to the numerous suffering people of this war-torn nation. As God’s work of healing, provision and restoration takes place, pray that a stable democratic government will be established.
Those caught evangelizing could face blasphemy charges. Photo: VOMC
A recent report from the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East highlights the desperate circumstances facing many Iraqi Christians – both those residing in their country as well as those living as refu
Some of the devastation from the conflict in Iraq. Photo: World Watch Monitor
On January 20th, four humanitarian aid workers from the French organization, SOS Chretiens d'Orient, went missing while in Baghdad. Details were limited, providing no information on those responsible nor the reasons behind
Some of the devastation from the conflict in Iraq. Photo: World Watch Monitor
On January 20th, four workers affiliated with the French organization, SOS Chretiens d'Orient, went missing while in Baghdad. Despite repeated attempts to contact them, no response has been received to date. At last report
Hundreds of Iraqi Christian families had recently returned to their hometown of Teleskuf, after being displaced for years due to attacks perpetrated by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group, only to be forced to flee their northern Iraq community all over again. These families hav
A group of unidentified attackers bombed the entrance of a Catholic church in Mosul, Iraq on November 1, destroying the doors and windows. According to a November 10 report from Compass Direct, the blast happened at the Dominican Clock Church while Dominican priests were holding evening prayers. The exterior iron doors were shattered and two sets of wood doors were flattened by the blast. There were no injuries.
Population
