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War is brutal, and it’s still raging inside the confines of Western Mosul, an area of Northwestern Iraq that as of now is remains under terrorist control.
UPDATE: Airstrikes Pound Western Mosul in Advance of Massive Operation
Many humanitarians and missionaries from around the world have feared going there for that simple reason, but Free Burma Rangers (FBR) leader David Eubank has done the opposite and actually planted himself and his family in the war-torn country after explaining to Faithwire that he was called by God to help the people of Mosul.
Faithwire has been following his on the ground reporting, and while there have been some positive stories, the tragedies are also a constant reality.
The American missionary opened up and shared with Faithwire that he recently had “one of (his) worst days” in the field. Explaining that, he witnessed a death of a three-year-old girl he had just met moments before a landmine hit her and her family while they were driving back to their home last week.
Eubank recounts the moments that lead up to her death and highlighted the family’s friendliness to foreigners and faith.
“On this day, the Iraqi forces, supported by coalition air and artillery, slowly forced ISIS back, killing most of the ISIS soldiers who were holding the hills. It became quiet, and as we came over a ridge we saw a small farm down below. We went down to the farm and an ISIS fighter who had fled there blew himself up in a shed on the farm. As we carefully approached, a family emerged fearfully and the father greeted us in English.”
And “We told them that they had nothing to fear and that we came to help. ‘I said, I was an American and that we loved their people. I asked if I could pray to God for and with them and the father agreed.'”
“I prayed in Jesus’ name for good things and a new life for them.”
“The children, who were afraid at first (but) began to smile shyly. We talked with them and made friends and gave them some food. It was a bright spot in our day and we all were happy. To me this felt like God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven and that we were blessed to be a part of it.”
Then after a few hundred yards, the family of six hit an explosive device and seconds later, The FBR team heard a loud bang and screams from each family member that was thrown off the tractor they were riding on.
Eubank went on to say, that his team ran over to help and treat the casualties. While on the ground giving the mother of the children a helping hand and medical care, he noticed a little girl laying on the ground next to her and her father.
In response to seeing the toddler, Eubank’s team tried to help resuscitate her but it was impossible, she had died from the explosion.
The other five members of her family were stunned by the horrific tragedy that happened in minutes and like Eubank their heart broke and they mourned the child that died in front of them.
Free Burma Rangers works in Sudan, Iraq and Syria helping those in need and also speaking the gospel. If you are interested in donating or offering up prayers click this link.
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