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As ISIS loses territory, civilians find Hope in the remains – Mission Network News
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Iraq (MNN) — We know ISIS has been losing territory, but now we have some data. Last week, an Iraqi military spokesman said ISIS now only controls less than seven percent of Iraq, down from the 40 percent it had claimed in 2014.
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Steve Van Valkenburg with Christian Aid Mission says as the war for control over Iraqi territories and cities wages on, we need to remember the Iraqi people. “They’ve been through a lot of trauma, and I guess the question is, even if ISIS is kicked out, what’s going to happen with all those people who’ve been influenced and have seen the trauma that they’ve seen? What’s going to happen with them?
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“The children within Mosul have been indoctrinated and they’re confused. In a sense, they’ve been abused by ISIS and now a lot of them are in camps or free areas in Kurdistan. The parents realize the kids have a lot of problems…. They are seeking any kind of comfort they can get. They need answers. They’re looking for hope.”
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Ministry partners with Christian Aid Mission distribute physical aid in critical regions of Iraq, provide medical care, host children’s programs, set-up prayer tents, and give out mp3 players with Scripture materials.
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And the Christians carrying out these outreaches? They’re from the area and have had boots on the ground since day one. “Some of those who have escaped from Mosul are now working full-time just in ministry in reaching out to displaced people.
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Pray for their faith journey, their fervor in ministry, their hope in Christ, and their daily needs — that God would provide for Iraqi Christians as they pursue His glory.
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“There’s always a need for reaching out, and I think even though we know as Christians that ultimately our end-goal is that people come to know Jesus Christ, still the kind of aid that can be given out is a bridge to those people to be able to connect with them. Jesus Christ has always shown care, compassion, healing people, and that’s really the arms and feet of Jesus Christ right now among those people are the local believers who can give out and help and meet needs.”
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