Refining Faith Amid Conflict In Iraq

Conflict has left a long shadow over the life of Lilyan, a Christian mother living in Iraq. Unrest and persecution are obstacles she faces every day. And the shadow was first cast when her husband was killed in a terrorist attack. It was 2 May 2010, and Lilyan’s husband was on his way to work. It was like any other day – until he found a bomb on a bus, planted to take the lives of Christian students travelling to university in Mosul. Lilyan’s husband immediately warned the buses and saved numerous lives – giving his own in the process. At the time, Lilyan was pregnant. Only after the attack did she give birth to a baby girl whom she named Rafif. The little girl would grow up never knowing her father. Sixteen years later, Lilyan remembers the day with painful freshness. But she hasn’t given up her faith – rather, her faith is what keeps her going.

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