Iraqi Christians Proclaim 'New Awakening'

Two years ago, the U.S. enabled the downfall of one of the world's worst dictators. Like everything else under his tyrannical reign, Saddam Hussein closely monitored the activities of Christians in Iraq.

Today, though they're facing persecution from Muslims and terrorist insurgents, Iraqi Christians are taking full advantage of their newfound freedoms.

Iraqi Christians joined believers worldwide in celebrating Jesus' resurrection last week.It's a sign of their courage and their hope, given the events of recent months.

What events? Iraqi churches bombed, Christian missionaries killed, and thousands of believers fleeing the country. But, even amid these fierce attacks, Iraq's Christians are standing strong. This is especially true in the Evangelical community.

At a recent gathering of Arabic Christian leaders in Egypt, Iraqi pastors said that, even with the attacks, they are freer now than under Saddam Hussein. During Saddam's time Evangelicals were strictly regulated, and evangelism was forbidden.

But a pastor said all that has changed in the past two years. He told us, "Now we can evangelize. In the road, in the way, in the church, anywhere - nobody can say anything to you. Before that it was not allowed, not even in the churches."

The message of Christ is preached freely, and not just in the churches. Since all of Iraqi society is free, people now can hear the Gospel through means that were banned under Saddam. An Iraqi Pastor said, "Now in every home, in every room, Jesus can be there by satellite, we see these channels, ME TV, FEME TV, God TV. We can see all that, all the days."

Despite the terrorist's attempts to drive out Christians, churches and worship of Jesus, the message of Christ is being heard in Iraq louder than ever - and it's bearing fruit.

An Assyrian Pastor said, "This is evidence of 'freedom of worship'. In only a year and a half, there are 14 new churches that have opened their doors, after Saddam." Emboldened by their freedom, and the success of the Gospel, Iraq's Evangelicals are backing up their message with good deeds.

With their freedom, they seek not just to reap the benefits of a new Iraq, but to help build their country and bless its people. An Iraqi pastor said, "Now the church has again come to a New Awakening and responded to civil needs and community needs, such as hospitals and schools, community centers -- all of which are helping people and helping to spread the word of God."

Yet, as Iraq begins its second year of freedom from tyranny, it faces the real possibility of falling prey to Muslim extremism. But these Christians are approaching the future with hope and they're working to ensure that the new life granted to Iraq, will be long and fruitful.