It’s hard to fathom all the terror and destruction happening around the world, especially as we deal with the devastation from Hurricane Harvey here in America. But problems still exist in Iraq, where Christians are regularly persecuted and churches destroyed.
Pastor Ravi Zacharias recently visited Iraq with Samaritan’s Purse, visiting a church massacred in 2014 by ISIS terrorists in Qaraqosh. Samaritan’s Purse helps families affected by the violence and war.
In a new video, Zacharias delivers an updated from inside the church, which is a rather large building charred from ceiling to floor — though a new cross has been erected at the front of the church in a beautifully symbolic gesture.
The church, which Zacharias notes probably took years to build and perfect, was gone in a matter of minutes when the hate of Islamic terrorists prevailed.
“It leaves you with a very heavy heart, but also a reminder once again that the Lord said ‘I will build my house and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it,'” said Zacharias. “I believe, through the ruins, the love of Christ will speak again.”
In the city of Qaraqosh today, there are crosses erected all over town, reminders to the terrorists that they ultimately did not win — and will not win. It’s a reminder that “life will triumph over death,” as Zacharias said.
After visiting children wounded in terrorist attacks, he responds to how incomprehensible it is that human beings would do such a thing to other human beings — saying that those who commit these acts in the name of their faith are “wicked and evil.”
Despite the heartbreak of what emerged in Iraq, Zacharias said he is encouraged by the sacrifice and work of those working with Samaritan’s Purse.
“The message of the cross is still the only hope of grace, peace, mercy, and salvation — and no matter how often they try to bury our Lord, He rises up to outlive his pallbearers,” said Zacharias.
Standing in the ruins of a church recently destroyed by ISIS terrorists in Qaraqosh, I share an update on my trip to Iraq.During this trip, I joined Samaritan's Purse as they continue to give aid to children and families harmed by terrorist attacks and war.Good still returns and the message of the Cross is still the only hope of grace, peace, mercy, and salvation. No matter how often they try to bury our Lord, he rises up to outlive his pall-bearers. So we will continue to preach that message; through the pain and through the darkness shine the light of Christ. Somehow, the grain still blossoms once again and the light is shining in the darkness.
Posted by Ravi Zacharias on Tuesday, August 22, 2017