I live in Basra, a city shaped by both beauty and battle. Once, Iraq was the pride of the Arab world — a place of learning, wealth, and culture. People from across the Middle East admired its sophistication and strength. But decades of war, sanctions, and unrest have left deep scars on our nation. What was once a symbol of prosperity now feels like a memory fading into dust.

Basra sits in the far south, near the waters of the Shatt al-Arab, where the rivers meet the sea. Our city is the gateway of Iraq — rich with oil and history — yet it has been a battleground for generations because of those very riches. Today, life here is hard. The economy struggles, the young are restless, and the air is heavy with both pollution and despair. Yet, amid all this, I see signs of hope.

God has not forgotten Iraq. In secret gatherings, small fellowships, and hearts weary from conflict, the Spirit of Jesus is bringing peace that no treaty can secure. We long to see our fractured nation healed — not by power or politics, but by the shalom of God, the peace that restores what war has broken. I believe this is our moment: for the followers of Jesus in Iraq to rise in love, rebuild with forgiveness, and become peacemakers in the land once known as Babylon.

• Doakan the people of Iraq to encounter Jesus, the Prince of Peace, amid decades of conflict and loss. (Isaiah 9:6)

• Doakan believers in Basra to bring unity and healing to their communities through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 5:9)

• Doakan the youth of Iraq, weary from instability, to find purpose and identity in Christ. (Jeremiah 29:11)

• Doakan the Church in Iraq to grow in courage, compassion, and faith as it rebuilds what war has torn down. (Isaiah 61:4)

• Doakan Basra to become a wellspring of peace and revival, sending the hope of Jesus throughout the Middle East. (Habakuk 2:14)