Diocesan Prayer Fellowship

2nd December 2007
The First Sunday of Advent
Saturday: Conception of the BV Mary

St. George's Baghdad is a vital part of our diocese. It is a typical 1930's British Church, except that it is surrounded by razor wire and bomb barricades and guards with big guns. As I arrive to take services I am surrounded by aggressive-looking bodyguards who search the church and grounds and then let me in.

The people of St. George's are literally the most wonderful people I have ever met. We hug and kiss each other, and then begin our worship. The services last for several hours as we worship together. We hear the bombs going off outside and the shooting continuing, but we are not distracted from our purpose. The fact that in the past two years eleven of our staff have been killed and that other members of staff, including our lay pastor, have been kidnapped do not deter us from worshipping a wonderful God. Yes, everything may be awful here in Baghdad, but we know we have a great Lord who loves us so much. We know that one day we will see Him. And when we see Him, and it may be soon, we will be like Him.

A few months ago as I sat down with our church council, they had heard that the Diocese had waived its tithe requirement for St. George's, the most dangerous parish in the world. These blessed people, who often do not have food on the table at night, objected strongly to this and said "we must pay our tithe, it is God's money and we want to give it" and they do. All may be awful but love and generosity is not gone. We love our diocese and pray for you all and ask that you may also pray that the love of our Lord will sustain us at this difficult time.

Canon Andrew White
Chaplain in Iraq

Jesus Christ, Saviour and Prince of Peace,
Still us, O Lord as you stilled the storm,
Calm us, O Lord, and keep us from harm.
Let all troubles within us cease.
Enfold us, Lord in your deep peace. Amen