On June 14, the Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day was celebrated in Baghdad, Iraq, as 13 church members fellowshipped together and enjoyed the women's ministries program, “Show Me the Saviour—Then I Shall See.”

In spite of the Adventist church in Baghdad being closed for the last two years due to severe damage by bombs, church members are still gathering for worship in homes every Sabbath.

“When we think back on how our church was filled to capacity before the war in 2003, it saddens our hearts that we would end up being just a small group meeting in private homes. We are praying for strength and courage until the day when the situation will improve and our many church members can return to their beloved church, to their houses and their jobs,” said Basima Nahab, women's ministries director in Iraq. And she adds, “Thank you for your many prayers. I ask that you will continue to pray for the Church in Iraq....”

The president of the Middle East Union, Kjell Aune, says: "Many of our members in Iraq have for safety reasons fled to western or neighboring countries. I have personally met them in different parts of the world and know their dedication, their love for Iraq and the Church, and their longing [to return] back to their country. The Iraqi church used to be vibrant, and we have good church facilities. We pray for the day when people can return home, where we can meet in our churches without security risks, and when daily life can go back to normal without fear of bombs, snipers and kidnappings. I am inspired by the fact that our sisters in Baghdad could celebrate and focus on the Saviour in the midst of so many distractions. It reminds us all of the importance of lifting our heads and [looking] beyond our problems. As I have done before, I will again urge the world family of believers to carry their Iraqi sisters and brothers onwards on wings of prayers."

B. Nahab and A.M. Wollan, staff, TED News Bulletin, Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church