Easter in Iraq 7: New Life from the Ashes

“As Christ rose from the death, this congregation is rising from the ashes.” That’s the message from Father George Jahola, as the Christians rebuild their lives in Qaraqosh. “This Easter to the faithful in Qaraqosh is very important,” he says. “It's very significant that we celebrate this Easter here, because it is a big challenge and a big message to the world.

“As Christ rose from the death, also this congregation is rising from the ashes.”

That’s the message from Father George Jahola, as the Christians rebuild their lives in Qaraqosh.

“This Easter to the faithful in Qaraqosh is very important,” he says. “It is the first Easter after returning to this town. It's very significant that we celebrate this Easter here, because it is a big challenge and a big message to the world.

“One year ago the city was empty. But now, many people have come back. They fill the church and rebuild their houses.

“The Lord gives us the power to stay in this town - to rebuild and to continue living here.”

Thanks to the support of their brothers and sisters around the world, Christians have returned to Qaraqosh – and to other towns and villages in Iraq. And these houses are a powerful symbol of new life.

“Up until now we have repaired 1500 houses, helped by many organisations like yours,” says Father George. “Rebuilding houses through the church encourages the people to stay here in this land and to witness their faith in this land and give hope to other people who left Iraq to come back.”

The strength, endurance and faithfulness of Christians in Qaraqosh is a challenge to us all. As Father George says:

“I hope that Christians returning to this land will be inspiration for the Christians around the world to be not shy for their faith, and to be Christians, in their land.”

This Easter, let us proclaim that death and hatred will not have the victory, and that Christ is risen.

Hope for the Middle East

Thank you! You enabled the voice of suffering Christians in Syria and Iraq to be heard all around the world.

Thanks to your support, families are rebuilding homes and lives in Iraq and developing sustainable livelihoods. The celebration of Easter in Qaraqosh was a milestone in the recovery of this community and a sign of hope for the region that Christ's resurrection brings the greatest hope in the darkest times.

• Give to support Christians like Father George as they rebuild their lives
• Use our free wristband to remind you to pray
• Sign up to our monthly emails
• Use our advocacy alerts to wake up the world