Christians in Iraq and France rejoice in the release of four aid workers, missing for more than two months.
The employees of SOS Chretiens d’Orient (SOS Christians of the Middle East), three French nationals and one Iraqi, were in Baghdad doing administrative tasks, when they went “missing” on 20 January.
On 26 March, French authorities, thanking Iraqi authorities for their assistance, announced the release of French nationals Antoine Brochon, Julien Dittmar, Alexandre Goodarzy and Iraqi Tariq Mattoka. No details were given as to their captivity.
The aid workers’ disappearance came after a US air strike killed a high-ranking Iranian military officer in Iraq. Militias affiliated with Iran vowed to avenge this killing.
Prayer Points
Iraqi and French Christians are grateful for the release of these workers and those who prayed for them. They request further prayer:
- thanking the Lord for the release of the aid workers
- that they and their families will be able to overcome the impact of their abduction
- that their organization, and others who support Christians in Iraq and the wider Middle East, will be able to continue their assistance, in spite of the challenges
- for Christians in Iraq to enjoy tolerance and peace in a civil state in which all Iraqis enjoy equal rights.
