Easter in Iraq: Part 2

With the sun finally shining, we left the Center at approximately 10am for our ride to the park where we gathered with other workers from here. We found a spot for our group and prepared ourselves to worship. We were all greeted in both English and Kurdish. We stood and prayed and then lifted our voices in English to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. After we sang in English, another group led worship in Kurdish. It was great to see & hear fellow believers singing praises to God in their native tongue. We even recognized some of the tunes.

Then a pastor from here spoke from the Word, with an interpreter. He spoke with such passion about the Good News that he sometimes didn't give the interpreter a chance to say it in English!!! Even a pick-up truck full of soldiers with guns stopped to see what the gathering was all about. When they realized that we were not a threat to the Presidential residence, they left. After the pastor spoke, a man, his "brother" from here and that man's wife from Ir@n gave their testimonies. It's amazing how God is working, even in Ir@n.

After the service was over, each organization working here brought out their picnic food and we enjoyed the fellowship with other believers. We met a fellow believer who, at one time, was training to be an Isl@mic cleric. During his training, he was required to read some of the Bible and through that reading he trusted Christ.

Before leaving, a car stereo began playing Kurdish music and the beautifully dressed Kurdish women began to dance. The music got louder and more joined in the dancing. I couldn't help myself, I joined the ladies and soon we were dancing in the street!!! What a great ending to our Easter celebration!!!

We then piled into the van and drove up into the mountains to overlook the city. The city is home to approximately 750,000 to 1 million people. We prayed over the city and the workers here. We then drove to another lookout where you could almost see Ir@n. 

When we got back to the center, the men walked up the street to buy some dishdashas. Meanwhile the workers had set up an Easter egg hunt for the children in the Center. After all the eggs were found and evenly divided, I was asked to tell the Easter story using Resurrection Eggs. What a blessed time to share the Easter story with the children!!!!!

After everyone had a short nap, we were guests at Scott, Katy, Zeke, & Ethan's home for dinner. What a great time of fellowship!!!

Finally it was back to the center. Chuck led our devotions and spoke on the theme of sacrifice.

Unfortunately, due to security reasons, we cannot show you any pictures of the day on the blog, but we'll be sharing about our time here very soon, so watch for the announcement.

We love all of you who have supported, prayed and encouraged us. We can't wait to see you soon!!!!

Be good & God bless,
Sandy Perry --- for Chuck LaBouff