Iraq
Baptists begin relief work
Baptists workers in Jordan have begun ministering to refugees fleeing Iraq—distributing 30,000 diapers, formula for 1,000 babies and blankets on March 19.

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Quotable: Prayer for Iraq
“As we think of the people of Iraq, and even their leadership, our first cry would be for an outpouring of Your grace and Your mercy concerning salvation.”
—Pat Stewart, IMB trustee and pastor of First Baptist Church, St. Charles, Ill., praying for Iraq

Read about the resolution on prayer for Iraq passed by International Mission Board trustees in their March meeting.

Read the resolution.

Resources on Iraq
God works in historical events. You can lead your church to work alongside Him in reaching the Iraqi people. These resources may be helpful:
• Latest IMB news updates
• Prayer requests
• Erich Bridges’ reflections on Christ’s purpose for His church in this time.

Web resources. These organizations do not reflect IMB stances, but do provide helpful background on Iraq and its people.
• U.S. Dept. of State
• The Economist country briefings
• U.S. Dept. of State Background Notes
• CIA World Factbook
• National Geographic

Beyond the Wall
Sharing the God of love with Muslims

Learn about Islam

This scene happens in a mosque in Egypt, a country traditionally associated with Islam; you might also find Muslims studying in a mosque in many American and European cities—maybe yours.

According to a January 2002 Barna poll and the Encyclopedia Brittanica:
• About 15 percent of Americans profess a belief other than Christianity—including 1.5 percent who are Muslims.
• Since 1900, the numbers of Muslims living in America have grown from 10,000 to 4 million.
• In the world, Muslims now outnumber Roman Catholics by about 2 million.

A better understanding of Islam equips you for ministry at home and overseas. Learn more about two conferences on Islam for pastors, church leaders and interested lay people.
Get more info on the Conference Center page at LifeWay

Also, check these resources on the Muslim world:
• Beyond the wall: Sharing the God of love with Muslims
• The Muslim World—stories from the online archives of theCOMMISSION magazine.

Guaranteed security

The death of co-worker Bill Hyde led Ann Lovell, IMB worker in the Philippines, to reflect on why she and others stay where they are:

“Bill had told his Sunday School class just a few days before his death that he was willing to give his life for Filipinos if necessary. Ironically, while Bill often traveled to remote and somewhat dangerous areas, he did not die in the jungles of Mindanao. Instead, he lost his life standing in a ‘safe place’ among countless Filipinos, many of whom were also seriously injured or died as a result of the blast. Our regional leader shared in a Feb. 11, 2003, letter to all personnel in the Western Pacific region, ‘The tragic events in the Philippines [i.e., the kidnapping of Martin and Gracia Burnham] and Yemen, along with the Columbia shuttle tragedy have also reminded me that our chosenness in Christ and the calling God has placed upon each of our lives do not necessarily guarantee our safety. We live in a world that is unsafe. However, the fact that we are chosen as God’s children and called according to His purpose does guarantee our security! Regardless of what may happen we are eternally secure in God’s presence and protection.’
 
“I can’t help but think of the countless others throughout the world who believe that they are standing in a “safe place” but do not have the security of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, many of the Filipinos who stood in that ‘safe place’ with Bill and died along with him will remain unknown to many of us. We hope that many of them are in heaven with Bill.  Sadly, though, we recognize that many likely died without the security of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  
 
“This is why we are here.  This is why we stay.”

Murdered missionary Bill Hyde multiplied while others were adding—and the result may be thousands of churches in the Philippines.
Read more.