Speaking at LaGrange College about his varied experiences in Iraq, White recalled the day his Iraqi doctor suggested stem cell treatment and said it could start the next day. White said there are 63 Iraqis with MS who also are receiving the treatment.
“All of us have improved greatly,” he said.
The Anglican clergyman talked about the danger for Christians — and everyone else — in Baghdad. “Everyone in Iraq is faring badly. Everyone is having it difficult,” he said.
“Christians do have it hard,” White said. He said 93 members of his church were killed last year. During the last year, he baptized 13 people — 11 of whom have been killed.
I have thought about that last sentence for a long time. I hope you do as well. Read it all.
God bless Canon White. It’s wonderful to read of his blessings, as he is most certainly a blessing to the Christian community in Iraq.
I’ve seen Canon White speak at Truro. His self-confidence is palpable. It comes from utter trust in God.
Great respect to the man, and I do not mean this in an unkind way, but … what is he doing baptizing Iraqis? He is there as chaplain to Anglicans, is he not? And there are plenty of Iraqi churches, from Syrian Orthodox through Chaldean Catholic to evangelical?
#3 Terry Tee
Sadly their churches have been bombed, their priests killed and St George’s has become about the last refuge for Christians of any denomination in Baghdad. St George’s has welcomed the remnants of the Christian community in and given such sanctuary as they can including to their orphaned children.
Canon Andrew White is indeed a hero and an example of what an Anglican can be, and that includes his work with others for the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_White_(clergyman)
http://www.frrme.org/
#3 — So, what should he do? Refuse them baptism and tell them to wait until “their own” return to the area? I would suspect that in that war-torn area, Christian is Christian and the people are grateful for his presence and ministry, even if you think he should only be serving Anglicans.
Sorry but your comments seem rude, especially that question. Canon White has been serving Iraqi Christians for several years now, despite his condition and despite offers for him to return to England. Religious leaders from other churches fled. He was featured on a “60 Minutes” segment and his difficulties from MS were very apparent.
Thanks Kendall+
This speaks powerfully to my heart. I’m so thankful for those who model a life of joy and confidence in the face of such stark suffering and persecution.
May the Lord inwardly renew Canon White and all whom he ministers to in Iraq so that Christ’s glory will shine forth from their lives.
How wonderful the faith of those 13! Would that my faith in the Christ prove as strong.