Join with Iraqi Christians in a Covenant of Prayer This call to prayer comes from the Iraq Network, a group of people from the Reformed Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the United Church of Christ. The group includes former missionaries to Iraq, Iraqi Americans, and denominational staff. RCA representatives on the Iraq Network are Duncan Hanson, supervisor of RCA mission in the Middle East, and Robert and Vi Block, former missionaries to Iraq. All missionaries were expelled from Iraq in 1979 when Saddam Hussein came to power. Our Iraqi sisters and brothers in Christ face significant challenges in the living of these days. There are five Presbyterian/Reformed congregations in Iraq. The ongoing violence and terror have made life difficult for them individually and as congregations. In the face of daily tragedies, many have had to flee the country; others have left their homes for other, safer places in Iraq, thus becoming internally displaced. We encourage all members of the Reformed Church in America, individually or in groups, as well as neighbors and friends, to pause for prayer every day at noon (Eastern time) to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ, all the people of Iraq, Iraqis who are refugees or living in diaspora, the people of the United States impacted by war, those in positions of authority, men and women who are serving in the military, and all who suffer. We have also communicated this invitation to the Presbyterian/Reformed churches in Iraq and other Christians in Iraq, in order that we might stand together before God's throne of grace.
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