CHICAGO, IL (April 14, 2009) \u2013 From the home of Abraham in Iraq to a recreation center in Nome, Alaska, ministers ordained through the Evangelical Covenant Church led Easter services in far-flung regions.
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\n![\"Lockett\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/xU\/dF\/xUdFjxyMpMHQFipydsG8rA\/Easter.jpg\")
Air Force Chaplain Maj. Kevin Lockett stood atop the walls of what some believe to be the home of Abraham to deliver his Easter sunrise service sermon. Lockett is the chaplain for the 407th Air Expeditionary Group at Ali Base, Iraq, which is located near the city of Nasiriyah. The ECC endorses Lockett for the military service.<\/p>\n
Saddam Hussein had the walls of the patriarch\u2019s home rebuilt upon the original foundation when Pope John Paul II expressed a desire to visit the house, but the Iraqi leader refused to ensure the safety of the Pope, who decided not to make the trip. The house as well as the Ziggurat of Ur are now located within Ali Base.<\/p>\n
Nome Covenant Church held a joint service with River of Life Assembly of God. More than 350 people \u2013 roughly 10 percent of the population \u2013 attended the service, says Dennis Weidler, general manager for KICY Radio.<\/p>\n
The small arctic village is located 500 miles from the nearest road, says Weidler.<\/p>\n
The community celebration started with breakfast at 9:30 a.m., followed by a two-hour worship service and concluded with lunch. \u201cThis has been a rapidly growing annual event, which began as a community outreach six years ago in a local bingo hall,\u201d Weidler says.<\/p>\n