A letter from Bishop Charlie.
We have had an interesting time over the Labour Day long weekend as we were arranging for a visit by Canon Andrew White (aka The Vicar of Baghdad) to ANiC’s St George’s Anglican Church (Burlington, ON) next Sunday, September 7. Then, on Monday, we learned that this visit would have to be postponed; Canon White emailed to say he had just been diagnosed with acute hepatitis. So, now there is no service with Canon White on September 7 at St George’s. However, when Canon White’s health and itinerary allow, we hope to reschedule the event.
While we are saddened that this special visit – at which Canon White was to baptize his grandson – has been postponed, the flurry of communications with Canon White has been an eye-opener for many of us. Through this process we have understood in a new way the brutality and merciless persecution of Christians and other minorities by the Islamic State militia which is overrunning northern Iraq and much of Syria. If you are not familiar with Canon White, I encourage you to learn more about his story and his amazing ministry in the heart of war-torn Iraq. (See http://frrme.org/ or do an online search.)
I believe God is calling us to become more deeply involved. This heinous war in Syria, Iraq, the Middle East and elsewhere is largely spiritual. And by God’s grace we can engage in spiritual warfare through fervent and constant prayer.
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 ESV
I again call on all ANiC churches to join me in:
- setting aside significant times of prayer and fasting (whatever sort of fasting you wish),
- and giving generously through ARDFC to aid persecuted Christians in Iraq. You can learn more on the ARDFC website: http://ardfc.ca/emergency_appeal.htm
Pray for the persecuted Christians and other minorities in Islamic countries, especially those who are suffering at the hands of the brutal Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq. Pray for Canon White, for improved health, and for wisdom in his work. Pray for all those who minister in Iraq. And pray for wisdom and courage for world leaders as they consider how to respond.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.Galatians 6:2 ESV
With gratitude because Jesus Christ suffered and died for us,
The Right Rev Charlie Masters
