[NYer]

This morning, our church was fairly empty .. even the organist is away. I noticed new visitors - a group of 3 people. After liturgy, I approached to welcome and invite them to join us in the church hall for refreshments. Once downstairs, I noticed they sat alone and went over to introduce myself. One of the women, a middle aged American, introduced herself and the other two - a husband and woman from Mosul, Iraq. I noticed the man used 2 metal supports - not sure what you call these devices into which the arms slip and are used to walk, elevating the lower body with each step. The American woman explained they were Syrian Catholics who came here in 2009. He tried to tell me his story in broken English. All I could understand was that they once had a large house like the White House; IOW, they had been wealthy. I mentioned Fr. Ragheed Ganni, a Chaldean priest who was martyred in Mosul. The man’s eyes lit up and his head bobbed up and down as he tried to tell the American woman about the holiness of this young priest.

Another parishioner from Jordan, who speaks Arabic, spent some time with them and later shared their story. He was an engineer for a petroleum company that served the US. One day, Muslim fanatics confronted him and asked him to convert to Islam. When he refused, they shot him 20 times in his legs! It didn’t stop there. They kidnapped his son and demanded a ransom of $100,000. The man paid the ransom and his son was returned. Unable to walk, they sought medical specialists in Jordan. As christians, the only way they would be allowed out of the country was if they turned over their home and belongings. The Jordanians were unable to assist him and through whatever means, he was sent to the US. His brother still lives in Mosul (now under the control of ISIS). As a christian, the only way he can remain alive is to pay the “giza” - a very costly tax on christians (he rubbed his fingers together and I shook my head in understanding. I’ve read plenty about this atrocious extortion of christians. His wife’s family has suffered a similar fate. Her brother had a gun placed to his head and told to convert. He also managed to escape and is now in Arizona.

We take our freedom for granted in this country. Meeting those christians who have truly suffered persecution and lost everything can be a wake up call. They chose Christ over their possessions. Imagine having to forfeit everything - career, home, car, bank accounts - and leave the US for another.

Please pray for these christians!

[VerySadAmerican]

Jesus said “Give all you own to the needy and follow me.” So, giving up their belongings was probably not that difficult for those fine people though it was taken from them and not given to the needy. Their faith is to be admired and emulated.

[GreyFriar]

Thank you for your post # 2 report of this morning at your church.

[BlackVeil]

A very moving story, and this family should be in our prayers.

I can’t imagine their loss. Imagine being alone and friendless in Jordan, and going from having a most prosperous lifestyle to having to go about seeking charity for the next meal.

[Dr. Ursus]

We gave to CNEWA.org to help. Seems like a good charity. I don’t know how to post info on this site.

[Salvation]

A very moving story.

Talking with new people is such a gift.

I did it last weekend when a couple I didn’t know was in front of me — they just moved here from California, and later in the week, the woman called to volunteer!

[Gerish]

Awful Nyer, just awful. I will pray for these Christians!

[Grateful2God]

It is important for us to pray for them and for one another, should we be put to the test... How blessed they are to have endured.

" Imagine having to forfeit everything - career, home, car, bank accounts - and leave the US for another. "

We are spoiled. How hard it is to bend! My Mom used to tell me to pray to unite my will to God's, and I'm understanding more and more as our world embraces what is evil as perhaps never before. God's Holy Will permits it, and a greater good will come from it. How long? I've stopped trying to wonder. God give us all strength to bear whatever He chooses to send us- and never to abandon Him!!