Written by: Open Doors Southern Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In Iraq, the courageous Christian community has been subject to intense hardships and suffered severe trauma over the years due to harsh persecution by extremist fighters from the Islamic State (IS). Many Christians have lost their homes; and their families, relatives, and the entire community have rejected them – all because they love Jesus.
Kidnapped for their faith
Stories about kidnappings of Christians in Iraq are often kept silent out of shame and fear. One such story is that of Sana, a Christian woman from the city Qaraqosh, whose husband and two sons were kidnapped. It has been seven years, and Sana has never seen her husband and sons again.
“I cling to God to find my husband and sons. My faith in the almighty God is so big.”
Looking into the barrel of a gun…
When Qaraqosh was attacked by Islamic extremist fighters, male and female Christians were split up. Sana and the other female Christians were put on a bus to Ankawa, the Christian neighbourhood of Erbil. The men and boys were taken away to an unknown destination, but the women were never told what happened to them.
Sana begged one of the IS leaders to allow her husband, Sabah, and two sons, Tony and Issa, to go with her and her daughter. The only answer she got was the barrel of a gun against her forehead and the words: “Either you shut up or I’ll shoot you in the head.”
‘I cling to God’
This was the last time that Sana saw her husband and two sons. She still has no idea what happened to them and fears that they were killed, yet she hasn’t given up. She says: “Maybe someone knows where my missing husband and sons are. Although they have been missing for seven years, I still have hope for their return.
“I cling to God to find my husband and sons. My faith in the almighty God is so big. And I keep praying that they will come back. They are all I have – God-willing, they will come back.”
Living alone as a woman
Since the kidnapping life is very difficult for Sana and her daughter, Tania. They must deal with their trauma and loss, as well as the stigma of their situation. In a Middle Eastern country like Iraq, it’s difficult for women to live alone and they are often not safe.
Untold stories
Father Ammar, leader of a local church and Centre of Hope, says people outside of Iraq don’t know that IS has captured many Christians. “Stories like Sana’s are just the tip of the iceberg, as many similar traumatic incidents remain untold.
“Victims of these incidents need the full support of the Church, as healing from persecution and the trauma of war and destruction takes time,” says Father Ammar. “They need someone to be close to them, someone to listen to their needs and help them to find hope for the future. The Centres of Hope keep their hope alive.”
Churches offer hope
With the support of Open Doors’ local partners, about 65% of churches in Iraq (125 congregations) have become Centres of Hope. We want to transform each church in Iraq into a Centre of Hope, helping local Christians with hope-giving projects such as discipleship groups, trauma care training, income-generating initiatives, legal support, and emotional support. You can bring hope for Christians in the Middle East today by being part of the vision to create more Centres of Hope – please make use of the banking details below.
Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC | Nedbank
Branch code: 198765 | Acc: 113 750 4552 (Business) | Ref: JE2110
Geopende Deure – Open Doors NPC | Absa
Branch code: 632005 | Acc: 160 340 568 (Current) | Ref: JE2110
*Name changed for security purposes. | Photos: © 2021 Open Doors International
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Date published: 30/09/2021
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