Religions and mission in the Arab world
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Dear friends

As Christians, we believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When talking about the Trinity with other Christians, I have regularly detected a certain fatigue about the issue - as if it is problematic!

Well, maybe it is problematic, but could that be our own fault? The idea that we might have to think and study in order to comprehend even a fraction of who God is, seems hard to many Christians. In our cultures, we want everything easy, and we want it preferably now. Why would we expect truth about the very being of God to be easy to know and comprehend?

The articles in this issue 6:3 (June 2010) of St Francis Magazine have renewed my enthusiasm for our great God! Most of the articles are related to Trinitarian matters. You will enjoy reading them, I believe. And they might help you communicate this great Gospel to your Muslim friends.

I have often heard and read that we should avoid talking about the Trinity with Muslims as long as possible – as if we have to avoid the most beautiful part of our Christian faith! And as if Muslims do not know we believe in a Trinity.

The next issue, the one of August 2010, will focus on concepts related to community and mission in the Arab World. If you like to submit your article on issues like koinonia and ummah and how they relate to our mission work, please contact me as soon as possible! May our one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with us all.

John Stringer
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PRAYER REQUEST: Christians kidnapped and murdered in Mosul, Iraq

Posted on 17th February 2010

 

Greetings in the name of Jesus

 

Iraqi Christians have requested our prayers following a series of incidents in the northern city of Mosul and the areas nearby. Tensions are heightened following the start of campaigning for the parliamentary election scheduled for 7th March.

 

On 16th February two Christians students were shot in a drive by shooting, killing one and injuring the other. Later that day two Christian students were kidnapped, though it is unknown if a ransom has been sought. On 15th a Christian man was killed in front of his shop in a drive by shooting. On 14th another Christian man was killed in his home by an armed man who forced his way into the house. There are unconfirmed reports that three other Christians have been killed whilst attempting to leave Mosul.

 

On 13th February one Christian was abducted. His family have received a large ransom demand. The usual practice in Iraq is that if a ransom is not paid then the victim is killed. However, there is scope for negotiation, and the ransom paid is often much less than the initial demand.

 

There has been a pattern of violence against Christians in Mosul since October 2008.

 

Iraqi Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:

a.      The bereaved will know the Lord’s comfort and presence

b.      The wounded and traumatised will know the Lord’s healing and peace

c.       The authorities would do all they can to improve security for all citizens of Mosul, and to promote multi-religious tolerance

d.      The election process will lead to greater stability and a reduction in violence across the country in general and in Mosul in particular

 

May be circulated to general mailing listsand quoted from freely citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.
 
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