When ISIS conquered large swaths of northern Iraq, they gave Christians four choices: leave, stay and pay the Islamic tax for nonMuslims (jizya), convert to Islam or die. Most left. Many of the Christians who fled ISIS are not in the larger refugee camps. Instead, they live in neighbourhoods throughout Kurdistan and in Erbil. CBN News spoke with some refugees from Mosul -ancient Ninevah – and from the Christian town of Quaracosh. “In such kind of circumstances, it’s really hard for families to live all together,” Sabah Jamil said. “For example, we came here and found out we would be living in a small apartment with five or six families. It was very difficult for us.”

A year ago just after they fled, CBN News interviewed the pastor of one church. Today, he is continuing to shepherd his flock. Pastor Abu Fadi said that even when the electricity goes out – a common occurrence in Erbil – the service goes on. Like Christians around the world, they gratefully celebrate communion. Like many others, Rota Abdullah Mora asked for prayer. “God has moved us and saved us from Quaracosh to here. That means he was faithful to us, but right now we need a faithful heart so please pray for us to have a faithful heart,” Mora said.

“I’m really very proud of the Christians because the Christians, they left everything behind and they followed Christ,” Ganem said. “The Christians of Iraq, they need the other parts of the world to pray for them because they are really in need spiritually, physically and emotionally,” another said. “They really need to pray for us to live in peace and experience the peace of Jesus.” Miryam, the 10-year-old girl seen by thousands on the Internet forgiving ISIS, came to the service, still sharing her childlike faith. “Whatever situation we are in, it is because God allowed it,” Miryam said. “We don’t know how to deal with this life unless we have Jesus with us.”

Source: CBN News

Bible Study: Matthew 5:43-48

PRAISE God that these brethren remain strong in Christ after losing everything. Thank God for the Kurds who received them. Join hands in prayer.