Sara was born into a Shiite family in northern Iraq. She was born with a spinal deformity, but even worse, as a girl, she was loved by her mother but rejected by her father. After several years her father took a second wife in an effort to have a son. The second wife took prominence in the family over Sara's mother, and from her position of influence she badly treated the young girl. The stepmother put charms and written curses under Sara's bedding, which resulted in demonic manifestations. Except for her mother's care, Sara's childhood was dominated by neglect and poverty. As she grew up her physical condition deteriorated and it became increasingly difficult for her to move without the help of her mother. In addition, she received much rejection from her family and society because of her deformity. Even so, she was able to receive an education and eventually become a university student.
The presence of Jesus in Iraq
In recent years Sara befriended a Christian woman in Iraq. This person was able to visit her whenever Sara's father was absent. Sara heard about Jesus from her friend and longed to know more; however, there was opposition. Whenever she attempted to speak the name of Jesus evil spirits would physically hinder her. Sara was given a Gospel of Luke, which she hid under her pillow. Sara read the Gospel whenever she had an opportunity; faith slowly grew in her heart. She longed to be delivered from the powers of darkness. The presence of Jesus became very real to her.
One evening in September 2003 a group of believers gathered together, and Sara was invited. While the group worshipped and prayed Sara publicly declared her faith in Jesus. During that evening Sara was completely released from demonic bondage. She came out of darkness into God's light. Sara has since been able to stay for an extended period with her Christian friends and is being discipled to grow daily in her love for Jesus.
Flag of Iraq
Map of Iraq
Not an isolated story
In response to the prayers of many people God is active in the lives of Muslims throughout Iraq. Happily, Sara's story is not an isolated or totally unique experience. Despite war and destruction, the Spirit of God is active in the most unexpected places. While it is still small and in great difficulties, the Church of Jesus Christ in Iraq is multiplying and growing and in faith and boldness.
Prayer for Iraq:
* Pray that the believers in Iraq's many churches will see God's harvest field among the Muslims of Iraq (Matt 9:35-38; 10:1). Pray that the fear of Muslims which often grips the hearts and minds of Iraqi Christians will diminish as they rely on the Lord.
* Pray that the historic Iraqi churches will be encouraged and revived. Pray that the young people in these churches will discover afresh the riches that they have in Christ Jesus.
* Pray for relative peace and stability in Iraq. Pray that the new government will permit the freedom of religion.
* Pray for God to continue His work among the Iraqi people, and that many may experience the same new life that Sara has discovered.
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Pray for Iraq:
* thank God for the growth of the Iraqi MBBs
* thank God for the gorwing revival of the Chaldean Churches
* pray for more outreach to Muslim Iraqi
* for visions, dreams, and revelations of Jesus
* for Bible distribtuion in iraq
* for frightened Iraqi youth to come to kno Jesus