ISIS met military defeat in Iraq, and many displaced Christians hoped to return to their homeland. The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is one of several organizations wanting to help. ACN conducted several surveys to define the problems and identify the Christians’ attitudes on emigration.
One survey, called “Life after ISIS,” gives a grim outlook:
“‘Life after ISIS’ warns that anticipated emigration could reduce the Christian population in the region to 23,000 within four years – down 80% from the prejihadist invasion in 2014. This would move the Christian community from the category of ‘vulnerable’ to the critical category of ‘endangered with extinction’.”
We know how it will end:
Revelation 7:9 (NIV)
There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.
Lord, we pray for our Iraqi brothers and sisters. Be their shelter in a weary land. May they thrive and grow and bear fruit. We look forward to standing with them before Your throne. Preserve Your Church, in Jesus’ name.
