'Shadow Pastoring' Safest Bet for Christian Missionaries in Iraq
by Chad Groening
January 7, 2004
(AgapePress) - A Christian missionary home on furlough from his assignment in the Middle East believes American missionaries should continue to stay in the background in Iraq to protect Christian believers there."Mike" is a missionary who, because of the areas where he serves, can reveal neither his true name nor the mission agency with which he is affiliated. Part of Mike's area of responsibility is Iraq, where he visited prior to coming home on furlough. He says when it comes to working in that country, American missionaries need to keep a low profile.
"In my opinion, the best way for us to do it at this point is to sort of 'shadow pastor' Iraqi believers -- doing that from neighboring countries -- and just keep a little bit of distance from Iraqis in Iraq," he says. "If you are in Iraq as an American and you're identified with Iraqis, then they're in danger."
The missionary says it is "a little bit scary right now" for missionaries and local believers alike in Iraq.
"We've had guys who we have been associated with that have been targeted because they have been associated with Americans," he explains. "My feeling at this point is [that it is better] to 'shadow pastor' and disciple some Iraqis who are going to be in there doing it -- for their protection as well -- [and] to kind of keep us in the background more."
Regardless of the dangers, Mike says he is looking forward to returning to the mission field this summer.
