COMFORT AND JOY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS IN IRAQ

Welcome to our monthly email. Well, it's been another interesting month! It seems like every few weeks in 2016 we have seen momentous changes. How good to know that God is always with us. That's a promise which many displaced Christians have held on to, and it's been great to see the joy in Iraq, as occupying Islamic State (IS) militants are driven out of their home towns. Meanwhile here, in the UK and Ireland, the Christmas adverts have arrived... You might find that less joyful news! But at this time of year our persecuted family around the world really need our help. Please speak up for them by inviting your MP to the launch of the Open Doors 2017 World Watch List in January next year. As ever, follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. And you can sign up for more frequent emails. Please do keep praying. Share this email with others. And thank you for your concern. INVITE YOUR MP TO THE LAUNCH OF OPEN DOORS' 2017 WORLD WATCH LIST Every year in January, Open Doors launches the new World Watch List - a ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the severest persecution. Last year over 5,500 of you wrote to your MPs, to invite them to the Parliamentary launch, with the result that over 100 MPs attended! Please help us again this year and invite your MP to show their concern for persecuted Christians. As persecution continues to increase globally, our persecuted family need you to speak out for them more than ever. It only takes a moment to do, so please invite your MP today! JOYFUL IRAQI CHRISTIANS RETURN TO LIBERATED TOWNS For over two years the town of Karamles, Iraq, has been in the hands of IS militants. But two weeks ago Pastor Thabet returned to Karamles and raised a cross on a hill above the town. IS forces have also been driven out of towns likeBartella and Qaraqosh. But there is a long, hard journey ahead before Christians can fully return. "We will need international support and protection," says Thabet. "That's the only way our future as Christians in this country can be guaranteed." Help ensure the continued existence of believers in Iraq. Join Pastor Thabet by signing the One Million Voices petition, and send a gift of comfort and joy to displaced Iraqi families. UK: THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES GEAR UP FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Thousands of churches, prayer groups and individuals are gearing up to pray for our persecuted family this weekend for the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church (IDOP).Over 3,900 Pray for ME resource packs have been taken up by Christians and groups across the UK and Ireland, eager to lift up their brothers and sisters in the Middle East this season. IDOP takes place this Sunday 20 November, but you can use the prayer pack any time you want. Order your freePray for ME pack now. MORE NEWS AND RESOURCES Iran: Three Azerbaijani Christians in Iran have been conditionally freed and allowed home - thank you for speaking up for these believers! Would you like to get fed by the faith of the persecuted church? Find out about Fast Food - the new Lent resource from Open Doors. North Korea: the latest research has revealed a previously unidentified high-security labour camp in North Korea - the most dangerous country in the world to be a Christian. Sudan: People are 'cautiously optimistic' as lawyers begin defence of imprisoned pastors, but there are further delays as the prosecutor asks for more time. Middle East: Open Doors provides long-term support to believers in Iraq, and protects the future of Syrian Christians by sponsoring child-friendly spaces. Uganda: Young Susan Ithungu faced serious abuse at the hands of her father for becoming a Christian. Read how she's still holding onto God. Thank you for your concern, Nick, Open Doors News Team