For the first 12 months of the U.S.-led liberation of Iraq, U.S. forces were viewed with great enthusiasm, according to Open Doors' sources. Evidence pointed to a spiritual revival during much of the second half of 2003 and the early part of 2004. Churches were open; people were turning to Christ.

"But now, due to the bombing and due to the fear that is being spread through this increased terrorism against Christians," Moeller says, "they are telling us that much of the openness to Christ has ended. Many churches have indeed stopped meeting because of the fear factor involved. There are things going on there that would shock you and shock almost anyone if they understood it."

Christians in the United States can help by mobilizing support for Christian candidates in Iraq "that are standing for real freedom, real pluralism, real religious tolerance in the new Iraqi government," says Moeller. The United States will continue to have a great deal of influence for quite some time. "We need to keep underscoring that the rights and liberties of the Iraqi Christians must be protected."

Imagine what it's like, Moeller adds. "We need to pray that those Christians facing the daily pressure of bombing and violence will not flee but will stay strong - stay as a force for peace - salt and light in the Iraqi society."

For the latest updates on the role that American Christians can play in standing with their brothers and sisters in Iraq, visit the Open Doors website at  www.opendoorsusa.org .

PHOTO by Baptist Press: An Iraqi man reads an Arabic version of the Bible during a worship service held at St. George's Memorial Church. Photo by Jim Veneman.