Christian tortured and killed

A 29-year-old Christian man was recently tortured and killed by members of al Qaida in Kirkuk, Iraq. On May 13, Ashur Issa Yaqub was kidnapped. His captors reportedly demanded $100,000 for his release. Three days later, his body was recovered, bearing marks of brutal torture. According to a local pastor, his kidnappers had reportedly pressured Ashur's employer to fire him because he was a Christian. "Because the contractor was rich and they couldn't do anything to him, they kidnapped Ashur, and unfortunately they killed him," the pastor said. Ashur leaves to mourn a wife and three children.

Pray Ashur's widow and children will know the peace, presence and comfort of Jesus. Pray Christians in Kirkuk will look to Christ for strength and continue to walk His path of faithful perseverance. Pray those responsible for the murder will know the Spirit's conviction of sin and the Father's offer of forgiveness, and turn to new life in the Son.

For more on the suffering Church in Iraq, go to 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.