Christians shot, kidnapped in Mosul

07 January 2010

Christians in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul have continued to face attacks in recent weeks. On December 24, Basil Isho Youhanna was shot and killed in front of his house in the northern neighbourhood of Tahrir. On December 28, a university student, Sarah Edmond Youhanna, was kidnapped from The University of Mosul. The kidnappers have since telephoned Sarah's family and stated they are members of an Islamic group. Two days later, on December 30, a deacon, Zhaki Homo Bashir, was seriously injured when unknown assailants shot him in his shop in the district of al Jadida. (Source: AsiaNews)

Pray for the loved ones of Basil as they grieve. Pray for a complete recovery for Zhaki. Ask God to protect Sarah and bring her home safely. Pray that authorities will provide protection for Christians and other minorities in the country.

Learn more about the persecution Christians face in Iraq at the Iraq Country Report.

Iraq

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC is partnering to teach and equip persecuted Christian women sewing skills so that they can provide a sustainable source of income for their families and give them the opportunity to be witnesses for Christ through their new businesses. VOMC partners to provide biblical training on discipleship and the theology of persecution to Muslim Background Believers.

Project Funds: Women’s Ministry, Equipping the Saints, Underground Church
Country Information
Population
41,266,109 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Arab (75-80), Kurdish (15-20), other (5)

Religion (%)
Islam (95-98), Christianity (1), other (1-4)

Leader
President Latif Rashid (2022)

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.