OUR WORKERS IN IRAQ & EGYPT
Sometimes its crisis that brings out the best in people. This is certainly true of our workers in Iraq and Egypt. Like everyone else worldwide, they’re in a state of lockdown due to the quarantine. We’re all well aware of the hardship this presents in our own nation, but it’s much worse for those living in the poorer countries. For example, we’ve not been able to get funds to our people in N. Iraq since shortly before the outbreak of the pandemic. Our wire transfers keep coming back to us. This is because of complications with the intermediate Bank between our Bank and theirs. We’ve been trying to get this straightened out, but with no success so far. Our Bank here seems powerless to figure this out and of course the quarantine has made it all the more difficult. This technical problem presents an incredible hardship for our churches in Iraq. Yet, there’s not been one word of complaint from them, not one! I know they and their people are hurting, yet they carry on faithfully despite this and the other hardships they face due to the present crisis.
Here’s some brief notes that I just received from Iraq and Egypt. These simple updates encouraged my heart, I sincerely hope they’ll do the same for you.
Duhok, Kurdistan Northern Iraq: Pastors Layth & Ilham and Raad & Nada
We are 90 percent quarantined here in Kurdistan and there are no public services at all. We do manage to meet three times a week in small groups for Discipleship training. I meet with the other Evangelical Churches in the area by using ZOOM to uplift and encourage one another. I preach three times a week on Facebook. I’m also in constant contact with Pastor Rezek and our Church in Al Qusiyah in Upper Egypt. Our people are all well and carrying on. Our prayers are with all of you there in America.
Al Minya, Upper Egypt: Pastors Habib & Heyam
Hello Bro. Jack, Many thanks to you and our brethren in America for the relief you sent us. We were able to help over 72 pastors and their families in Cairo as well as 17 other people. We were able to help 45 people in Al Minya and another 10 people in Asuyt.
We are so thankful to God and all of you!
Al Qusiyah, Upper Egypt: Pastors Rezek & Neama
The Coronavirus isn’t the only outbreak in Upper Egypt, we’ve experienced an unprecedented response to the Gospel in the ancient city of Al Qusiyah. Though the quarantine has prevented public gatherings it hasn’t stopped the move of GOD! This touching note from Pastor Rezek was forwarded to me by Pastor Layth from Iraq.
Pastor Layth, Please, tell pastor Jack that we pray every day for America, Praise Chapel and for him. I also pray for you dear pastor Layth and all your family and the Church there in Iraq.
I pause here for a moment of thanksgiving and reflection upon the quality of our people; both in Iraq and Egypt. They’re among the most exceptional people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.
Of course the same thing can be said of all of you here on the home-front. Remember, your light shines at its brightest when things are at their darkest.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
Thank You! All of you! Our World needs you right now, as never before; to be just who you are, JESUS PEOPLE!
Jack Harris, PCGlobal Network
Jack Harris Ministries 