Iraq’s new government introduced amid barrage of violence.

By June 2, 2004

Iraq (MNN)–Iraq’s transitional team was sworn in Tuesday, amidst violent protest by insurgents.

Iraq returns to sovereignty June 30th, with the goal toward rebuilding the country to elections in January.

Opponents, however, took out their anger by targeting foreigners, relief workers and Christians for violence, along with increased threats.

As word of Ghazi Mashal Ajil al-Yawer’s appointment was announced, a car bomb blew up outside the offices of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, which is located just outside the green zone U.S. coalition headquarters in central Baghdad.

At least three people were killed and 20 were injured, the military said. Also, a roadside bomb also exploded near a U.S. base in the northern town of Beiji, killing 11 Iraqis and wounding more than 22 people, including two U.S. soldiers.

The instability is forcing leaders to call for a united Iraq. International Aid’s Myles Fish says their work won’t be affected. “We do have four clinics that are in Iraq that are still functional, and they’re being staffed by Iraqis, not by North Americans. Those efforts are ongoing, and we’ve just gotten a report back , just this past week, that the church is alive, and well, and growing, but there’s a great deal of uncertainty because of the transition of power.”

Fish explains their teams are working with ministry in mind. “We were trying to enable the churches that were pre-existing, that were there throughout the Saddam Hussein era to reach their communities, at first, just a demonstration of Christ’s love, and building the relationships necessary so that they could then articulate it. Conversions are taking place, and there are actually some new churches that have formed in Baghdad.”

International Aid is a health-focused Christian relief and development organization that meets the physical needs presented in a disaster. Teams are also able to meet spiritual needs through their crisis resonse.

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