Iraq

Emergency aid and development projects

Iraqi Pastor: "Instead of helping Christians flee the Middle East, Western Christians should pray and fight alongside Middle Eastern Christians."

The pastor's statement may come as a surprise, but we choose to publish the interview as the pastor's opinion is representative of Middle Eastern pastors across denominations.

By Samuel

Share article

Image: The church is highly respected for its relief work in northern Iraq, and aid workers boldly stick a cross on the windshield of the truck.

I'm in Iraq about a week after Chancellor Angela Merkel opened Germany's borders to refugees. There is a clear echo of her words in the country - her invitation is the talk of the town and it's as if a large part of the population is considering whether to accept it and travel to Europe. Many have already left.

I'm sitting in the living room of Ibrahim* and his wife. She is serving sweets in the best Middle Eastern manner. Here is a couple who are staying in Iraq - even though many other Christians are leaving for the West at this time. They do a lot of relief work for the vulnerable who stay behind, partly with the support of donors from the Danish European Mission.

Pastor Ibrahim* says: "It's hard to say to Christians who want to leave Iraq: "Don't go to the West", but it's not hard for me to tell Christians why they should stay"

He continues: "A pastor fled Iraq. He closed his church and sold the inventory. This is not a good development as Christians and pastors are needed here. In the Gospel of John chapter 10, Jesus says that he is the Good Shepherd. The enemy wants to defeat the shepherd of the church (the pastor) so the sheep (the church) will be scattered. There are enough pastors in the West - but there is a great need for pastors here in Iraq"

We must pray and fight together with the Christians of the Middle East

He continues: "Persecution is not new. Jesus was crucified and many of God's servants have been killed. Instead of helping Christians flee the Middle East, Western Christians should pray and fight alongside Middle Eastern Christians."

"If God gives you peace in traveling to the West - then travel. But how will I manage the work as a pastor if all the leaders in the church leave? I need at least 10 leaders for the work of the church to continue as it is now. I trust that Jesus has promised me to send harvest workers"

It's completely understandable that people are leaving Iraq - and that's why it's so important that we are there to help local churches bring encouragement and hope in the midst of hardship.

Fact: It is perhaps more important than ever for Christians to stay in the Middle East and care for those who come to church, as the brutality of the Islamic State is causing many Muslims to question Islam. In Pastor Ibrahim's congregation, there is a small but growing number of believers with a Muslim background.

* For security reasons, we cannot mention his real name.