As the Iraqi area of Mosul becomes free from the hands of ISIS one community at a time, a small Christian organization is right in the thick of the fighting, risking their lives to spread hope amongst the oppressed.
The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) have been documenting their efforts recently in a three part written series posted on the organization’s website which focuses on the trials and tribulations impacting the group. FBR is based in Burma (Myanmar) and has outposts in Sudan as well as Iraq.
FBR Update: #Jesus in #Mosul – A meeting with the Shia Militia (part 3 of 3). #Iraq #FBRhttps://t.co/aydwHwW758
— Free Burma Rangers (@FreeBurmaRangrs) December 20, 2016
Eubank wrote a letter on Dec. 18 titled “Jesus in Mosul-A meeting with the Shia Militia” in which he explains the hostility the FBR team has come up against.
Eubank says his family prayed about where God wanted them, and felt called to Mosul. Most families probably wouldn’t like that answer all that much, and perhaps react similarly to how Jonah reacted. The Eubanks, however, trusted in God’s provision and moved the entire family to the war torn area in order to better minister to the people there.
A bold move, as Iraq is clearly it is a volatile and unstable area.
FBR has published a series of heartstopping videos, including one from earlier this month showing an up close and personal look at the battle against ISIS.
Eubank describes how one of their humanitarian supply trucks took a wrong turn and wound up heading directly into ISIS positions. They were ambushed, their truck hit by heavy fire. FBR heard the SOS call and along with the Iraqi Security Forces from the 9th Armored Division, went in to evacuate and treat the wounded.
FBR’s desire to be the face of Christianity in the midst of darkness has people including the unnamed checkpoint commander that Eubanks was recently speaking to puzzled but also grateful.
The commander told Eubank, “You didn’t know it, but the night you were trying to rescue the soldiers we were on the other side of ISIS trying to help you and were part of the force that pushed ISIS out.”
Eubank offers help, but also hope. After a recent spat with ISIS, he boldly approaches the commanding Iraqi officer and says “I want to give you a film about my leader, Jesus. If you don’t like it you can throw it away.”
The commander offered a surprising response, “No, no. I love Jesus.” Then he kissed the dvd and then placed it on his eyes and said, “He is my eyes”, and then on his head and said, “He is my head. Thank you for this!”
FBR began in Burma, now the organization’s voice and mission has spread to Sudan and Iraq, specifically Kurdistan.
The main goal of the group is to document human rights abuses, provide people with necessities on the ground and fill their hearts with the holy spirit.
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