Violence in Iraq continues to intensify and the unrest is centralized in Baghdad.

Iraq’s government is trying to appease protestors unhappy with corruption and insufficient services, but the number of fatalities increases.

More than 100 people have died and thousands are wounded, according to Reuters. 

Christian workers in the area say believers are staying Baghdad despite the unrest.

“There is a growing Church in Iraq. Yes, Iraq has been devastated in the past and a lot of believers had left,” says a Christian worker whose identity must remain secret.

“At the same time, there are still believers in the country that have chosen to stay, and continue carrying the light of Jesus in the city.”

Iraq is in the top 15 of nations with the worst persecution of Christians.

Mission Network News reports the territorial defeat of ISIS reduced nationwide persecution, and some believers are returning to their homeland. However, Islamic oppression remains a threat to all Iraqi Christians.

Christians in the area say, “They want to see God’s kingdom come into the land…they definitely need our prayers, and especially in this time.”

Organizations ask Christians to pray for an end to violence in Iraq, for Gospel growth, and for Iraqi believers to courageously stand firm in their faith despite persecution and terror.

“Things are going wrong, but they will be the ones that keep on shining the light in the midst of the darkness.”