With sirens screaming and lights flashing, a motorcade of AK-47 armed soldiers and government officials drove our team at high speed into the city of Baghdad from the airport. It was the beginning of a four-day prayer initiative with about 150 Iraqi believers who had gathered to pray for their city and nation. Many of these dear brothers and sisters in Christ felt hopeless as a small minority in a land torn apart in ongoing sectarian violence between Shiite and Sunni Muslims. The first day we arrived, seven car bombs went off, killing 24 people who were taking part in a massive Shiite religious festival. This heinous crime was undoubtedly the work of Sunni extremists.

Two of us who were Americans confessed as private citizens the tragic mistake and sin of our nation in invading and occupying Iraq, asking their forgiveness. A number of the locals came forward and cried because they had lost precious relatives because of the U.S. military's attack. They told us that the two wars with the USA (and probably including the Iran-Iraq war) had left 1.5 million widows and 4.5 million orphans. We were astonished and grieved to hear their reports.

Our team was also interviewed for two satellite TV channels that carried the message of the prayer initiative to others across the nation. May the Lord be glorified and may Iraqis be drawn to Him, the Healer of the Nations!

We had hoped to get to Babylon, the ancient fount of worldwide idolatry, but did not succeed in going due to the massive Shiite festival that blocked the roads.

To the glory of the Lord who answered many prayers, the local organizer of the initiative described the impact of this special time in Baghdad:

"What a blessed time, time of a divine visitation, strongholds came down, walls destructed, chains dropped, families reconciled, souls saved, hearts refreshed, lips shouted out loud for the first time that Jesus is The Lord. What a week in a divine appointed timing, even national roads were closed, yet the Almighty drew and set a new season of refreshing and awakening that people has never before experienced...
I have very positive feedback from many where all were uplifted and have experienced a huge breakthrough in their life. Many reflect on Saturday's (spiritual) warfare with a tremendous joy and as we say, that thing which you enjoy created a desire for much more. People already are on fire and commenced prayers and look forward for more of breaking down of strongholds that have kept them down for ages."

After leaving Baghdad, with some Syrian and Lebanese believers, we were able to hold a day of prayer for Syriain the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon close to the Syrian border. There were only 10 of us who took part, but it was a special and moving time since two Syrian prayer leaders came across the border from Damascus to share their hearts with us.

Please pray with us for the following:

1) The bottom line is that both Iraq and Syria will have their prayer movements strengthened and that the Lord will raise up mighty prayer warriors, who like Gideon of old will multiply many more intercessors. That, we believe, is the key thing that will bring the end of the awful violence and appalling destruction as well as the restoration of prosperity as more and more turn in desperation to the Lord their Maker and Deliverer.

2) Pray with us that the oppressed atmosphere in both nations will give way to the light and freedom of the Holy Spirit as the Iraqis increasingly utilize His authority in united prayer.

3) God's protection and encouragement of the 150 or so who took part in the Iraq initiative. Several prayer groups were formed and all were encouraged to adopt prayer partners. Pray that they as well as prayer coordinators in various cities will continue strongly, persevering until more breakthroughs occur. Also, that the spirit of violence, death and destruction will be bound throughout the nation and that the terrorist networks will be broken up and unable to continue destabilizing the nation.

4) We praise the Lord for answering prayer from the last initiative in Lebanon for the formation of a new government. Also, the army was successful in apprehending up to 100 terrorists. Pray for the right person to become Lebanese president, the most powerful position in the government. It should be a person who cares for his people and land, who is of high character and who also has the gifts and support to lead effectively.

5) For Syria, pray with us in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14 for the healing of this embattled, war-weary land that there will be a ceasefire and peace agreement that will end the war. Over 160,000 have already been killed and many millions are now refugees. Psalm 46 tell us that it is the Lord who "makes wars cease to the ends of the earth." It is therefore imperative that His people come together to pray to Him. Thanks so much for your prayer support, John Robb, IPC Chairman