The three majority-Muslim groups (Shiite Arab, Sunni Arab and Sunni Kurdish) in modern-day Iraq have been in conflict for centuries. Attacks by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS) forced tens of thousands of Christians to flee the country, leaving a small but bold and faithful remnant. For many of these Iraqi Christians, day-to-day life is focused on survival, and yet they faithfully work to advance the gospel.
Christian converts from Islam are abused and rejected by their families. In addition, they may be killed or persecuted by clan or tribe members, government authorities or extremist groups.
When Qasim and his wife, Zaynab, became followers of Christ in 2016, their Shiite Muslim family immediately rejected them and threatened their lives. Zaynab’s brother beat her and told her to leave her “infidel” husband.
Eventually, the couple and their young children fled Iraq, but Zaynab’s brother continues to harass them over the phone, saying he will kill them if he finds them. Islamists seeking their location attacked Qasim’s father and one of his younger brothers, sending him to hospital with broken legs and in a life-threatening coma.
The constant threats have severely affected Zaynab’s mental health, and she struggles to function and care for her children.
Front-line workers request prayer for Zaynab to experience the Lord’s peace, for a safe place for the family to live, for healing and salvation for Qasim’s brother.
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