Iraq: Fears for Missing Christian Pastor

ICC Note: Christians live in a state of fear in Iraq. Christians fear for the state of their pastor who has been kidnapped recently, they fear that the pastor could have been killed

7/26/2011 Iraq(ReleaseInternational) Iraqi Christians fear for the safety of a house church leader who has been kidnapped – apparently because he has led Muslims to Christ.

According to Release partners, Pastor Jamal was seized by suspected militants who broke into his house in Dehouk. His family believe he has been targeted because of his work among the Shabak people who speak Arabic and Kurdish.

Religious rights group The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) Australia reports that one of the people whom Pastor Jamal has led to Christ had his home sprayed with machine-gun fire a few weeks ago.

. . .

Despite ongoing threats to Iraqi Christians from militant groups, hundreds turned out recently to celebrate the opening of a new church near Kirkuk in northern Iraq. St Paul’s Church in Sikanayan village will serve displaced Christians who have settled in the area after fleeing persecution.

…