Two days into the
military conflict in Iraq, Seventh-day Adventists living in Baghdad are safe
thus far and plan to attend church services this Saturday, according to
church officials in the Middle East region.
Staff members at the church's regional headquarters in Nicosia, Cyprus,
were able to speak via telephone with family members in Baghdad, who
reported that Adventist members are "fine, but very worried and afraid,"
according to Michael Porter, regional president of the Adventist church.
Church members plan to attend worship services this Saturday, or Sabbath,
despite intermittent missle strikes against the Iraqi capital.
"The bridges are still standing, so they think they can all make it," said
Homer Trecartin, secretary-treasurer for the region. "I'm sure there will
be lots of hugging and much earnest praying."
Before the war, nearly 200 worshippers gathered every Saturday at the
Baghdad Seventh-day Adventist Church -- the largest Christian church in
Iraq -- to worship in what is regarded as one of the most architecturally
striking churches in all of Iraq, Porter said.
There is still much concern among staff members at the church headquarters
for the Middle East. "As my friends watch the news, they see pictures of
places they are familiar with. They hear of 'targets' in areas where family
and friends live. What is happening to them?" Trecartin reported.
Church officials are quick to add that despite the uncertainty for members
in Iraq, they find hope in the support they receive from their
international church family.
"In their phone calls one of them specifically asked that we tell all
of you how much they appreciate knowing that their brothers and sisters
around the world are praying for them," said Trecartin.
The office of the Adventist world church president also issued a statement
calling on people of "faith to stand for hope in a time of despair"
and praying for a quick end to the current war, as well as for all
involved in the situation.
Organized in 1923, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Iraq is one of the
Christian churches among 13 denominations recognized by the government.
There are three Adventist congregations in the country, including one in
the city of Nineveh -- famed for its visit by the reluctant Biblical
prophet, Jonah. A total of 224 members were noted on church rolls in 2001.
Copyright © 2003 Adventist News Network .
Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Baghdad arrive
for worship on a Saturday morning.
Nearly 200 members worship in what Michael Porter,
president of the Adventist Church for the Middle East,
calls one of the most architecturally striking churches in
all of Iraq.
Night view of the Baghdad Seventh-day Adventist Church.
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