The Shabak, a Muslim ethnic group, are farmers on the Nineveh Plains. They live in a geographical conflict zone, surrounded by the cultural fault lines between Kurds and Arabs. The post-US invasion brought in new factors of conflict among major groups vying for power, authority and wealth. In 2014, ISIS swept across the Nineveh Plains, targeting religious and ethnic groups. Communities and villages were emptied as people fled. When the towns were liberated in 2016 and 2018, people returned to a demolished landscape. The Catholic Church has returned to Mosul, and there is a university with over 70,000 students. Believers there, and young people with fresh ideas for the future, could work together to bring the hope of the gospel to the Shabak.

Though there has been progress in the restabilizing of life on the Nineveh Plains, many lack confidence in the future.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move across the Nineveh Plains, whispering into hearts the truth that only God is sovereign, and only in him are lives of true victory possible.

Scripture Prayers for the Shabak in Iraq.