Those tied to the West, targets in Iraq

Iraq (MNN) — Danger continues in Iraq as Islamic militants continue to drive a wedge in security in that nation. Coalition forces face regular guerrilla attacks. And, even more violence is threatened in the wake of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal.

Missionaries are also at risk, according to “Doc” who’s working with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism . He says, “We’re concerned for anyone working for the Kingdom right now. It’s a dangerous spot right now. It’s dangerous for western or other missionaries and those groups have been targeted for kidnappings in the past. I know of one instance where a national workers, an Iraqi was targeted, because he was a believer and worked for one of the mission organizations.”

Islamic militants killed four workers with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board back in March. “Doc” says that event forced ABWE to cancel their trip this month. “I was planning on being there this month. In discussions with some people who really know the area decided that it would be a little too dangerous for us to take a group that we were planning on taking there. There are parts of the country that are very dangerous to be. People can still enter and are still entering and we need to be praying for them,” says “Doc.”

However, the danger isn’t scaring them away from work in Iraq at some point in time. “Doc” says, “We will be, once on the ground, looking for other opportunities. There exists a multitude of ways to help people and do good in their lives and then have a long term affect for the Gospel.”

“Doc” believes the country is prime for outreach, especially since so many are searching for truth. “What we see there, the violence, etc, are people searching for answers. Their searching the wrong ways, but, when you’re in the midst of violence you’re got to be looking at the real things in life,” says “Doc.”

Pray for safety and wisdom for all of those working in the region.