Source:         www.MNNonline.org

Date:            October 29, 2007

Iraq (MNN) -- Iraq's prime minister pledged Saturday to protect and support the Christian minority that has been fleeing the chaos and sectarian violence in the country. Open Door USA's Jerry Dykstra says, "This is a long overdue sign that they want to stop the outflow of Iraqi Christians. We'll just have to see if this vow to protect and support the Christian minority will be followed through, and we pray that it will be." It's believed that only 400,000 Christians remain in Iraq. Dykstra is hoping this pledge will help stem the tide of Christians leaving Iraq. He says it's important for them to remain. "Christians need to have a voice not only in the emerging government, but for ministry to go on we need the Christians to stay there." A pastor in Iraq says the church is growing, and Dykstra reads from his letter: "Many in our church now are new believers, and in the past four months we have baptized six people." He also mentions a terrorist who came into his office and asked, "How can I get peace?" Financial support is needed for literature, which is in high demand.