Gerry Karst, a general vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide, addressed the 5th Christian Conference for Peace held May 15 to 20 in Baghdad, Iraq. Acknowledging the rich Biblical, archeological, and cultural heritage of the country, Karst expressed the “loving concern” felt by Adventist Christians for the people of Iraq who suffer from shortages of food and other necessities of life. 

The conference brought together Christian churches and organizations that are active in the Middle East.  Delegates visited two children’s hospitals that, along with the other hospitals in Iraq, are operating without basic medical equipment and supplies.

Karst, who formerly served as president of the Adventist Church in the Middle East, also visited with the Adventist community in Baghdad.  The Adventist Church presence in Iraq was officially organized in 1923.  There are now more than 200 Adventist Church members in the country worshiping in three churches.