Ministry News

Modern-Day Christian Martyrs Need Your Help Now

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Tuesday, 05 July 2011 17:04

 While the debate continues over the withdrawal of America’s military from the Middle East, Canon Andrew White is quietly committed to remaining despite the ongoing danger.

Though Iraq may have faded from the news headlines some, violence is still a daily reality for Christians there. But Canon White is resolute in leading a church that stands as a beacon of hope—and you can help keep its flame burning.

Despite bombings, kidnappings and murders, the members of Canon White’s St. George’s Church in Baghdad are among the happiest churchgoers he has ever seen, he told me on a recent visit to our offices.

Known as “The Vicar of Baghdad,” Canon White spoke about the food, health, education and housing aid his church gives away freely to all, regardless of their faith.

“We can’t talk about reconciliation of peacemaking without providing for the needs of people,” he explained simply.

But doing that is expensive. The church has a monthly budget of $177,000 for its various ministries.

I was stirred by Canon White’s remarkable commitment to sharing Christ’s love in the face of ongoing persecution, and want to help. Will you join me?

I believe this need is so important that I decided the entire newsletter should be devoted to it this week. I especially wanted to alert pastors to help.

You can read more about the ministry of St. George’s—where armed security guards and searches of everyone who attends are a routine part of weekly worship—in our recent Charisma News report here.

Also, you can watch the eight-minute video of my personal conversation with Canon White here. My interview with him impacted my heart—and I believe it will impact yours. Pastors like White are on the front lines of the battle to establish the kingdom of God.

We can pray for him and his congregation, and we should. But the Bible also instructs us not to withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in our power to do it (Proverbs 3:27). White deserves help for this great cause. If it is in your power to help, then the easiest way to make sure the money gets into his ministry is to give generously to our nonprofit partner, Christian Life Missions.

You will get a receipt for income tax purposes, and your gift will go 100 percent to White's ministry to help these persecuted Christians with food, medical care and other needs.

If you are a pastor, what need could be greater for your church to respond to? I urge you to show the eight-minute video and take up an offering. White told me few Christians in the West respond to the need. Let's change that. 



You can click here to give your tax-deductible donation online, or you can send a check made payable to Christian Life Missions (marked for "Baghdad Believers") to 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746. Remember, 100 percent of your donation will go toward aiding the persecuted church in Iraq. 

Thank you for helping minister God’s peace to the people of Iraq.

Steve Strang
Publisher, Ministry Today
President, Christian Life Missions