BY MICHAEL PORTER, Middle East Union president

n spite of heavy bombing Friday night, March 21, and early Saturday morning in a number of cities across Iraq, the Seventh-day Adventist Church members met as usual for worship in their church in Baghdad. The Church members, while unsure of the future, are of good courage and expressed special thanks to the world church for the many prayers ascending on their behalf. They add their prayers to those of the rest of the church that God will intervene in the ongoing conflict. There are more than 200 Seventh-day Adventist members in Iraq, most of who live in Baghdad.

I spoke with one woman who had talked with her sister in Baghdad on Saturday evening by phone. Her sister in Baghdad tried to encourage her, saying, "We're getting used to the bombing and know that God is in control. Don't worry too much about us." Her faith is strong that God will care for their needs even in this most difficult time. Another woman was able to confirm by telephone that her family in two cities in Iraq are safe.

Following the bombing in the previous Gulf War, one attack on a shelter became especially well known because it has been made into a memorial for the people who died in it. Because of this, the church members in Baghdad generally remain in their homes during the aerial attacks for fear that the shelters may become targets of bombing raids.

Office personnel for the Middle East Union, based in Cyprus, include several staff members whose families presently live in Baghdad. Since the war began, the office family has prayed for God's intervention and protection in this most difficult time at their regular morning worships and again during a special prayer time at noon.

Homer Trecartin, secretary-treasurer for the union, says, "We thank God for His protection and for the dozens of e-mails from around the world, assuring us of prayers on our behalf." --Adventist News Review