Car Bombs Target Believers on Christmas Day

Reuters, CNN, CBC 02 January 2014

Damages from the explosion
Photo: AINA

Two Christian areas of Baghdad, Iraq, were targeted in Christmas Day car bombings. In the first attack, two bombs were detonated in the busy market of a predominately Christian area, killing at least 10 people and injuring twice as many.

Shortly afterwards, a car bomb exploded as Christians departed from a Christmas service. At least 25 people were killed in the bombing, and many others were injured. At last report, there has been no claim of responsibility for the attacks. However, al-Qaeda and other insurgents have often targeted Iraq's dwindling Christian community.

Please join us in lifting up our Iraqi brothers and sisters in prayer to our Father, the God of all mercy. Pray that those mourning the loss of loved ones will be comforted, and that those who were injured will look to Jesus for physical and emotional healing. May the perpetrators behind these terrible attacks repent of their sins and seek to embrace Christ as Lord. Ask Him to shield and guard His precious children in this volatile part of the world from their enemies.

Please visit the Iraq Country Report to learn more about Iraq's persecuted church.

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.