iraq

  • GOVERNMENT: Federal parliamentary republic

  • POPULATION: 45 million

  • RELIGION: Islam (majority Shia, then Sunni), small Christian and Yazidi minorities

  • LANGUAGE: Arabic and Kurdish

  • CURRENCY: Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

  • CLIMATE: Mostly arid desert; hot summers and mild winters

THE REALITY

Iraq, once a vibrant center of Christianity dating back to the first century through Thomas the Apostle, has seen its Christian population decline from 1.5 million to less than 1% due to decades of war, persecution, and displacement. The rise of terrorism, especially ISIS, led to the destruction of churches and mass uprooting of believers and other minorities, leaving behind deep trauma. Iraq is also home to many unreached and marginalized people groups, including Shi’a and Sunni Arabs, Marsh Arabs, Bedouin, Turkmen, Yazidis, Domari, and Mandeans—most of whom have little to no exposure to the Gospel and remain spiritually unreached.

Though ISIS has lost most of its territory, its extremist ideology persists through underground groups. Ancient Christian communities like the Assyrians and Nestorians, once known for their missionary legacy, now face extinction. Many churches lie in destruction, and many believers have left the country. Many pastors and ministry leaders have been killed which has created a leadership need, although Christian widows stepped in to continue discipleship and pastoral care. Despite denominational and ethnic divisions, a small revival is growing in evangelical communities.

Amid the turmoil, over 50,000 Iraqi Arab evangelicals have come to Christ, many from Muslim or extremist backgrounds. Through dreams, visions, Gospel media and personal evangelism, they have encountered the truth of the Gospel and the love of Jesus.

In Baghdad, the recent opening of the country’s first skatepark also offers a new opportunity for engaging and discipling the next generation through action sports ministry. The youth is especially looking for purpose and a community to belong. Although many have sought to leave the country, never to return, the Great Commission is still to be carried on in Iraq. As the country and the Church rebuild, the need for lasting hope, selfless love and bold leadership is needed the most.

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Romans 10:15

Pray with us

Pray for the persecuted and displaced Church in Iraq. Ask God to heal the deep wounds left by war, terrorism, and the persecution of ancient Christian communities. Pray for strength and boldness for the remaining believers, and for widows and lay leaders carrying on the work of discipleship and pastoral care.

Pray for the unreached and marginalized people groups. Lift up the Shi’a and Sunni Arabs, Marsh Arabs, Bedouin, Turkmen, Yazidis, Domari, Mandeans, and others who have little or no access to the Gospel. Pray for workers to be sent and for barriers—spiritual, cultural, and political—to be broken in Jesus’ name.

Pray for unity, growth, and bold evangelism among the Kurds. Thank God for the growing number of Kurdish believers, and pray for their protection. Ask God to use the openness in the Kurdistan region to strengthen the Church, promote peace among ethnic groups, and create bridges for Gospel opportunities.