Bombs, Bullying and Final Exams: the life of Christian students in Mosul

Even with violence increasing in their nation,
 Iraqi students are still expected to study.
 (Image courtesy Open Doors)

Iraq (MNN/ODM) ― In Mosul, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, kidnappings, bombings and targeted violence against Christians are reported frequently. These threats make it difficult to go from one place to another.

In the midst of this chaos and insecurity, Open Doors USA says hundreds of Christian students find their way to their university every day. Yusuf* says he’s praying "a hundred times" for safety. A few months ago, bombs exploded at his college.

“Where is the safety?” he asks. “Where are those who should protect us?”

In periods of increased violence, concentrating for exams isn’t easy.

“When the situation is very tense in the city, we still have to study," shares Malik, another Christian student. "It has a negative influence on our grades, but the exams are not deferred.”

Within the university, the atmosphere isn’t much better. Christians are being bullied and discriminated against because of their faith. Female students receive comments and threats about not wearing a headscarf.

Church elders of a village in Mosul were warned not to send girls to university; other female students were attacked because they weren’t wearing a veil.

“We just wish these years will pass fast,” says Kalam.

Sadly, it is not just the students that are giving their Christians peers a hard time.

“Teachers are saying bad things about Christianity in their lessons and participate in the discrimination and bullying also," explains Kalam.

Pray for Christian students in Mosul. Pray that they will be able to overcome the violence surrounding them. Ask the Lord to give them peace.

*The names of the people quoted in this article have been changed for security reasons.

Imprisoned pastor in critical condition

Pastor Behnam Irani (Photo courtesy of VCM)

Iran (MNN) ― Behnam Irani, a 41-year-old Iranian pastor serving prison time, is currently facing severe health concerns due to physical persecution.

While serving his time in Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, Behnam has suffered several beatings from prison authorities and his cell mates. Authorities have ordered these beatings to occur regularly.

In a recent update, Voice of the Martyrs, Canada (VCM) reports that Behnam lost consciousness in the last few days due to colon complications and severe bleeding from ulcers. He was admitted into a military hospital.

Benham has since regained consciousness, but his health is reportedly declining because of harsh mistreatment and prison conditions. He is unable to walk or see well, and VCM says there are growing concerns that he may not even survive these next few months.

Serving a five-year sentence, Behnam has a little less than four years left to serve in prison. For the first few months of his sentence, he was held in solitary confinement.

His conviction occurred on January 2011 for crimes against national security. At the time of Behnam’s arrest, he was conducting a Bible study for 10 young Iranian men who had recently come to Christ.

Behnam is a husband and father to two children. His family is concerned about his poor health, especially since his brother died from intestinal cancer.

Ghezal Hesar Prison, where Behnam is held, is one of Iran’s largest and most notorious prisons for violence and cramped conditions. The head of Prisons Organization says it houses 20,000 inmates: 300 times its holding capacity.

Please pray for the Lord to fully restore Behnam’s health. Pray for Christ’s perfect comfort to give his family peace. Pray that prisoners and guards in Ghezal Hesar Prison will come to know Christ through Behnam’s example and faith.