Story number 1 for 18 Mar 2003

(Iraq)–We begin today’s newscast in Iraq, where Christians in that country are asking people to pray. Words of Hope’s Lee DeYoung says they broadcast Arabic programming into Iraq. He tells us about the concerns listeners have in the region. “(The people are) concerned about the possible loss of life and the seemingly unavoidable casualties of war. But, also what would happen if law and order really breaks down there. And, the extent to which Christians might be blamed for whatever damage and things happen.” DeYoung says Christians wonder what life will be like with new leadership. “Iraq, for all of the difficulties and hardships that its people have suffered, religious persecution has been less of a problem there than in almost any other country in the region. So, in that sense it’s actually been an environment where the number of Christians has grown in recent years.”