How to Help Iraqi Christians

By now you surely know that Christians have been expelled from Mosul, one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Threatened to convert, pay a fee, or die, most of the Christians of Mosul fled the city. Still, as they fled, many were robbed, raped, or killed.

Today the city to which many of them have fled, Qaragosh, the largest Christian city in Iraq, has fallen to ISIS. They are even beheading children.

This video shows a Chaldean-American whose roots are in Iraq, Mark Arabo, explaining to CNN's Jonathan Mann why this is considered a genocide. If you haven't seen it, please do so. And then I ask you to do three things:

1. Pray. These are our brothers and sisters, and they are in extremely trying circumstances. Pray that the Lord will protect them, that he will give them strength and courage, that he will stop the atrocities. Pray for peace in Iraq. These things seem impossible, I know. But I also know that God is able to do much more than we can ask or imagine, according to his mighty power that is at work with us [his people]. To him be glory in the church and in Christi Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! (Eph 3:20-21).

2. Change your profile picture. The Arabic letter N -- see symbol above -- stands for Nisrani (Nazarene, i.e. Christian). ISIS has painted this letter on the homes of Mosul Christians who have left the city. Intended as a derisive sign, it is being adopted by Christians around the world who stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Iraq. Will you also adopt it as your profile picture on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media?

3. Write to your senators and representatives. Ask them to take a stand for them and do all they can to support efforts in Congress to stop this horrendous crime agains these people who are fleeing for their lives.


Sources: MSN News, CNN, Barnabasaid