The Most Dangerous Muslim Nations for Christians - Part 5

Hump Day - Day of Prayer for the Muslim World Vol. 222
 

Today we continue looking at the most dangerous Muslim nations where Christians live per the World Watch List of 2022. 
Our focus will be on the nations of Iraq and Syria - two very unstable Muslim majority nations with one still dealing with Civil War. 

Iraq - #14 on the World Watch List
Population - 42 million
Islam - 95.8% with only 0.20% Jesus followers 

Regarding Christians in Iraq
Since 2003, the number of professing Christians in Iraq has decreased by 80%!

Terrorist groups like ISIS still have pockets of resistance in Iraq, and though less than before, there is still ongoing conflict contributing to Iraq's instability and the fears of Jesus followers. 

In recent years, most Christians have fled to northern Iraq (Kurdistan). Persecution is worse for believers in Jesus in the central and southern portions of Iraq. 

A Story from Iraq
Asmin is an illiterate Kurd from Iraq, and like most Kurds her background is Muslim. Asmin has suffered major trauma, and her trauma is mainly due to severe burns she received at work one day. She was burned severely over her face, hands and upper torso, but the LORD has healed her body! 

Asmin became a Jesus follower 7-8 years ago, and as often happens, was rejected by her family. Asmin was devastated when her family disallowed her from visiting her dying mother before she passed away.

But praise the LORD that Asmin has met some Americans who introduced her to Trauma Healing. She is interested in joining a healing group, and she and her daughter listen to an audio Bible each day. Pray for Asmin.

Syria - #15 on the World Watch List
Population - 18.2 million
Islam - 90% with only 0.19% Jesus followers

Regarding Christians in Syria
As in Iraq, many professing Christians have fled from Syria. Increasingly, the followers of Jesus are coming from a Muslim background in Syria. While every follower of Jesus is at risk in Syria - either from family members, terrorist groups or the government, Muslim background believers are the most vulnerable.

Additionally, in areas where Turkey has supplied fighters and support for military, the threat upon Christians is very high.

A Story from Syria
When Civil War broke out in Syria, Manar, a Muslim teen, and her family trekked from their home to Jordan and ended up in a Syrian refugee camp called Za’atari.  After several years in Jordan, the family made their way to the USA. 

While in Jordan, Manar and her family heard stories about Jesus from missionaries, and they continued to hear about Jesus upon arriving in the USA. One day, the whole family gathered to hear more about Jesus, and the entire family put their faith in Him. However, Bible study and discipleship was sporadic at best, and the family drifted away.

Not long afterward, Manar began to be beaten by a relative for not wearing her head covering. Heavy shame fell on the family when the relative was jailed, and they moved away from all their friends. The culture of shame and honor and the chain of Islam is a most difficult yoke that only Jesus can break!

Prayer Needs

1. Praise God that persecution has lessened slightly in Syria, and Muslims have been coming to Christ in recent years there. Some are even fearlessly evangelizing in Syria!
2. Pray for Jesus followers in Syria - especially in areas controlled by extremists and where Turkey has supplied military aid.
3. Pray for the Syrian Civil War to come to a complete end.
4. Pray for the few followers of Jesus in both central and southern Iraq. That is where they are most vulnerable.
5. Pray for Kurdish Muslims, Yazidis and Jesus followers in northern Iraq / Kurdistan where they are hearing the gospel and receiving help in Trauma Healing from missionaries.
6. Pray for the missionaries laboring in both Syria and Iraq. May the LORD watch over them and anoint them for much fruit.