Iraq persecution

The following notice was sent to me recently from Voice of the Martyrs, dealing with treatment of Christians in Iraq:

Christian Persecution in Iraq on the Rise - Christian Broadcasting Network
News Christians in Iraq are experiencing a rise in persecution from Islamic
extremists. According to a Christian Broadcasting Network News (CBNNews.com) report, Reverend Canon Andrew White, an Anglican minister from Baghdad, told a committee on religious freedom that Christians have been kidnapped, tortured and killed. Rev. White said in the last three to four months conditions in Iraq had deteriorated considerably. He added that he was given disturbing news at a congregational meeting this month. "Things are bad for everybody in Iraq. I said to them (church members), 'tell me what has happened over the past week.' And the
people went through what had happened, and I realized that 36 of my congregation
in that past week and been kidnapped. None of them have been returned," Reverend White said. Pray God protects and encourages Christians in Iraq. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to refresh believers who face hardships everyday. Romans 8:31, Isaiah 54:17

It might be tempting to consider this just part of the civil disturbances associated with the war in that country. But I would suggest that when 36 members of one congregation have been kidnapped inside one week, that involves an intentional targeting.

I hope you will join me in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ who pay a high price for faithfulness to the Name.