Three Christian men murdered in Mosul

Father Mzen Ishoa
Father Mzen Ishoa
Photo from Compass Direct

Three relatives of Father Mzen Ishoa, a Syro-Catholic priest who was abducted and later released in 2007 (click here for more information), were shot and killed by unknown assailants on February 23. The gunmen forcibly entered the believers' home and opened fire on Aishwa Maroki (59) and his two sons, Mokhlas (31) and Bassim (25). Aishwa's wife and daughter were also in the home but were not harmed. (Sources: Middle East Concern, Catholic News Agency, AFP)

Pray that those in mourning will know that God is the defender of widows and a Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). Pray that authorities will do all they can to improve security for all citizens of Mosul. Pray that the upcoming elections will lead to greater stability and a reduction of violence in Iraq.

For more on the suffering of Iraqi Christians, go to the Iraq Country Report.

  • 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.

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Iraq News

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