Lausanne World Pulse – Perspectives Articles – The Unseen Iraq

By David LeCompte
May 2009

Dohuk, northern Iraq, Kurdistan. The Iraqi government recently held regional elections; those participating hoped for a peaceful outcome that will help the war-torn regions of Iraq find peace and stability. While the elections were being held, the international borders of Iraq were closed. The military in Baghdad and other major cities were on high alert for any sign of terrorist activity that would disrupt the peaceful and orderly process of people casting their votes. The military itself had voted several days before—as evidenced by the purple dye on the index fingers of the soldiers.

The Beginnings of Revival in Iraq
Iraq is moving into its sixth year since American and Coalition forces toppled Saddam Hussein and his brutal regime that held Iraqis captive for over three decades. War and turmoil has been the air most Iraqis have breathed the last few years; violence and human suffering continue. Random suicide bombers still strike in Baghdad street markets; yet, many continue to hope for peace to come. Some areas are beginning to see security and stability. Indeed, the overall feeling in the country is that Iraq is at an historical crossroad concerning its political future. However, there is an even greater historical event taking place in Iraq—a spiritual revival not seen in modern history.

Although predominately Islamic for many centuries, Orthodox Christianity has been a visible part of Iraq’s historical landscape since the second century. From the early church period until now, Iraq’s ethnic makeup has included Roman Catholics, Orthodox, and Assyrian Christians. Yet since the war began in Iraq in 2003, the resurgence of Protestant evangelical believers has been spreading at an incredible rate.

Iraqi Christian Evangelical Leaders Gather
Recently, I visited the biblical plains of northern Iraq near the ancient city of Nineveh. Over sixty Iraqi Christian evangelical leaders and believers gathered for a Bible conference to learn more of God’s word. From both Kurdish and Arab bloodlines, orthodox Christian and Muslim backgrounds, everyone came for one purpose: to see new leaders raised up to become pastors to disciple and lead new believers who are coming to Christ in Iraq in unprecedented numbers. This unique conference was organized through the efforts and cooperation of Iraqi evangelical pastors and leaders from Baghdad, Mosul, and Dohuk. It was sponsored by Mission International, Calvary Chapel, and The Joshua Fund.