Help Me Carry This Cross – Part 1

Help Me Carry This Cross – Part 1   "We have not come to make your burden heavier,” proclaims the Open Doors trainer at the beginning of the workshop. “And surely we have much to learn from you. We are grateful for the church here in Iraq, and the fact that you have kept the faith. Many here are going through the valley of the shadow of death, and we want to help and encourage you.” In the room, was a myriad of Iraqi church leaders – priests, archdeacons, monks, and pastors – some in black gowns, some in white robes, others in regular street clothes. Several had beards, some were clean-shaven. Caps, in a variety of colors, were on their heads. A few look strong and full of life, but most looked weary and worn from years of war and persecution. “Just today I heard of two men killed in the Nineveh plains,” one weary pastor said, as they exchanged news. “This has become normal for us,” another says. “It used to be that when someone died, we had time to mourn and grieve. Now we do not grieve, and most of us have nobody to talk to. Who do you talk to when everybody views you as the shepherd?” Many nod in agreement. Another pastor adds, “What can you do when you, yourself, are overwhelmed? Even as a spiritual leader, things are sometimes just too much for us. We are often confronted with our own grief and our own questions.” Tomorrow we will hear more from an Iraqi Trauma Counseling group. One With Them Church leaders in persecuted lands face trials and stress on this profound level. Become One With Them as you pray for them in their service to Jesus and His body. Being a shepherd under good conditions involves burdens, but in persecuted countries, the load can be unbearable. Your prayers work miracles.  2013.05.29

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)