Faith Under Fire

1. Faith Under Fire: Living in Baghdad's Dangerous Reality

We may be in the fire but our God is also with us in the fire.

Constant danger. Living in Baghdad means facing daily threats of violence, kidnapping, and death. Christians in Iraq are particularly vulnerable, often targeted for their faith. The author, Canon Andrew White, describes his experiences leading St. George's Church in Baghdad, where he and his congregation must navigate a perilous landscape of sectarian conflict and terrorism.

Unwavering faith. Despite the dangers, the Christians of Baghdad demonstrate remarkable resilience and faith. They continue to worship, serve their community, and find joy in their relationship with God. The author shares stories of individuals who have lost loved ones or faced personal threats but remain committed to their faith and their church.

Divine protection. White recounts numerous instances of miraculous protection and intervention, attributing these to God's presence in the midst of their struggles. From narrowly avoiding bombings to receiving timely warnings of danger, the congregation experiences what they believe to be divine guidance and care in their daily lives.

2. Love, Hope, and Joy Amidst Tragedy and Loss

Perfect love drives out fear.

Love conquers fear. In the face of constant threat and loss, the Christians of Baghdad find strength in love – both God's love for them and their love for one another. This love becomes a powerful force that enables them to overcome fear and continue living with purpose and joy.

Hope for the future. Despite the bleak circumstances, the congregation maintains hope for a better future. They believe in God's promises and the eventual triumph of good over evil. This hope sustains them through the darkest times and gives them reason to persevere.

Joy in community. Remarkably, the author describes St. George's as the happiest church he has ever served. The congregation finds deep joy in their fellowship, worship, and shared experiences of God's faithfulness. This joy becomes a testimony to their faith and a source of strength in adversity.

3. The Power of God's Presence in Extreme Circumstances

Allah hu ma'na wa Ruh al-Qudus ma'na aithan. (God is here, and His Holy Spirit is here.)

Tangible presence. The author and his congregation report experiencing God's presence in tangible ways, including visions, angelic encounters, and supernatural phenomena. These experiences provide comfort and reassurance in the midst of danger and uncertainty.

Spiritual guidance. White describes relying heavily on the Holy Spirit's guidance in navigating complex and dangerous situations. From diplomatic negotiations to personal decision-making, he attributes his ability to function effectively in such a volatile environment to divine leading.

Transformed perspective. The intense awareness of God's presence transforms the way the congregation views their circumstances. They see beyond the immediate dangers to recognize God's work in their lives and their role in His larger purposes for Iraq and the Middle East.

4. Healing and Miracles in the Midst of Conflict

Here, prayer for healing is not just sometimes effective – it nearly always is.

Frequent healings. The author reports an unusually high occurrence of miraculous healings within the congregation. From chronic illnesses to life-threatening conditions, many members experience physical restoration through prayer.

Signs and wonders. Beyond healings, the church witnesses various supernatural phenomena, including visions, prophetic words, and even instances of raising the dead. These events strengthen the faith of believers and attract others to the church.

Medical and spiritual care. St. George's operates a clinic that provides both medical treatment and prayer for healing. This holistic approach to healthcare serves as a powerful testimony of God's love to the broader community, including many Muslims who seek help at the clinic.

5. Perseverance Through Suffering: The Iraqi Christian Experience

We are indeed an Easter people. Like all Easter people, our symbol is the cross – a symbol of immense pain and suffering, a symbol of death, but also a symbol of hope, of life and of resurrection.

Daily challenges. Iraqi Christians face numerous hardships, including discrimination, violence, and economic struggles. Many have lost family members or been forced to flee their homes. The author shares personal stories of congregation members who have endured great suffering for their faith.

Choosing to stay. Despite opportunities to leave, many Christians choose to remain in Iraq, viewing their presence as a calling and a witness. They see themselves as part of God's plan for their nation and are willing to endure hardship to fulfill this purpose.

Finding meaning in suffering. The congregation draws strength from their understanding of Christian theology, seeing their trials as an opportunity to identify with Christ's sufferings and to demonstrate the power of faith in adversity.

6. Peacemaking and Reconciliation in a War-Torn Nation

If you are working for peace, you have to work with those who are responsible for the violence and try to get them to stop.

Interfaith dialogue. White engages in extensive efforts to promote understanding and cooperation between religious leaders of different faiths. He describes the challenges and risks involved in building relationships with both moderate and extremist figures.

Four Rs of peacemaking:

• Relationships: Building trust and understanding with key individuals
• Risk-taking: Willingness to engage with dangerous or controversial figures
• Relief: Addressing practical needs of those affected by conflict
• Reconciliation: Facilitating forgiveness and healing between opposing groups

Combating corruption. The author recognizes corruption as a major obstacle to peace and progress in Iraq. He describes efforts to address this issue through religious leadership and moral influence.

7. Moving Forward: Vision and Growth Despite Adversity

We have to keep planning ahead, even though we do not know even what the next hour will bring.

Continued ministry. Despite the challenges, St. George's Church continues to grow and expand its ministries. The author describes the development of new initiatives, including a kindergarten and expanded medical services.

Leadership development. The church invests in training and empowering local leaders, as exemplified by the ordination of the first Iraqi Anglican clergyman trained in his own country.

Adaptability and faith. The congregation learns to balance long-term vision with the need for flexibility in an unpredictable environment. They rely on faith and divine guidance to navigate the complexities of planning for the future while dealing with immediate crises.

8. The Global Church's Role in Supporting Persecuted Christians

The wider church needs to recognize that, despite not suffering in agony and terror themselves, we are all one family. Part of the family is hurting and the rest of the family needs to support it.

Awareness and prayer. The author emphasizes the importance of educating the global church about the plight of persecuted Christians in Iraq and elsewhere. He calls for increased prayer and spiritual support from believers worldwide.

Practical support. White describes the critical role of financial and material assistance from international partners in sustaining the ministry of St. George's and supporting Iraqi Christians.

Shared testimony. The experiences of persecuted Christians offer powerful lessons and inspiration for the global church. The author encourages the sharing of these stories to strengthen and challenge believers in more secure environments.

Last updated: November 18, 2024