Even a dollar helps Iraq missionary work

Shara and Joel McLaughlin are trying to bring a better life to Iraqi children and youth through Christianity, and small donations help their cause, they said.

As part of their missionary work in Baghdad, the former Valley resident and her husband are distributing Bibles written in Arabic for people to read.

The Bibles cost $1 each, McLaughlin said.

"We want people to know that one dollar, the same amount for a pop or a cheeseburger, can send the love of God to another country," McLaughlin said.

In May, the McLaughlins are traveling back to Iraq to help open a youth center in Baghdad.

In Iraq, 50 percent of the population is youth, and a youth center is in demand. McLaughlin said it will cost about $5,000 to fix the building and clean it up and prepare it as a Christian-based youth center.

"If we could get the building fixed up, a lot of youths would come and learn about the love of God," she said.

Those interested in donating to the missionary work can mail donations to: Mission to Iraq, P.O. Box 51645, Knoxville, TN 37950.

"Every little bit helps," McLaughlin said. "It doesn't have to be a huge donation to make a difference. Even a dollar helps buy a Bible for someone who doesn't have one."