"The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The LORD is a man of war; The LORD is His name." Moses, Exodus 15:2-3

We recently received an update from our teams in Kurdistan-Iraq and Lebanon that was heartbreaking, yet encouraging, as they told us how the wars in Iran and Lebanon are affecting them and how the Lord continues to do great things.

He is a summary of our update.

Lebanon

Conditions in Lebanon are dire. Over a million people are displaced. Among them are thousands of Christians, who support Israel’s right to its land, did not want this war, and wish to be allies. The Christians are deeply concerned about the potential for civil war, with Shia Muslims (Hezbollah) attacking and trying to take Christian villages. The Christians will fight back to protect their families, neighbors, and property.

On a personal note, our team leader, Joseph, and his wife, Lydia, have a 32-year-old son undergoing chemotherapy for stage 4 lymphoma, and Lydia’s mother recently suffered a stroke and now lives with them.

Our team provides essential support to these believers and other displaced people, including food, medicine, medical care, and hygiene supplies; provides Biblically-based trauma healing; trains the Lebanese Army, first responders, and local believers in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (Battlefield First Aid); runs a Christian school for 199 Christian and Muslim students (currently meeting online due to the war); and provides pastoral care.

Syria

The Syrian government (the new president, Al Gulani, is a former leader of a militant extreme Islamist group) is persecuting Christians by destroying churches, arresting pastors, and making it extremely difficult for believers to meet. Pastors are reaching out and asking for help.

The Evangelical Christians in Lebanon and Syria are very close and know each other well.
I know some of these pastors from our Time of Refreshing conference that we hold in Lebanon.

We are sending funds to purchase essential items (such as food, medicine, medical care, and hygiene items), training them in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (Battlefield First Aid), and providing Pastoral Care.

Kurdistan-Iraq



Iran is attacking Kurdistan-Iraq directly as well as utilizing Iranian-backed Shia militias based in Iraq; every night, missiles and aircraft fly overhead—sometimes hitting their town. Their children are being mocked and threatened for speaking out about their faith. Prices have tripled since the war began. Despite all of this, believers remain united, gathering for prayer, encouragement, and to study the Word.

The situation is extremely dangerous for Iraqi and Iranian Christians in Iraq because Iran has many businesses and other entities that act as bases to spy on people in Iraq, especially Iranian refugees and Iraqi Christians.

Pastors Ari and Aram serve as the FPI leaders in Kurdistan-Iraq and lead the Kurdish Evangelical Church movement, overseeing churches throughout Kurdistan-Iraq and Iran. This role puts them in close contact with many pastors and gives them a clear understanding of the situation and needs in both countries.

The Iraqi Kurdish Church is supporting Iranian refugees, most of whom are Christians, by providing essentials (such as food, medicine, medical care, and hygiene supplies), renting a house to shelter, feed, and protect them until they can return home, and serving as a place for fellowship.

Iran

The situation in Iran is very dangerous. The regime sees Christians as opposition and supporters of Israel. They are being threatened, imprisoned, tortured, and executed.

Our team in Kurdistan-Iraq has three church plants in Iran. The people are in desperate need of basic needs, such as food, clean water, electricity, and fuel. 

We are sending money to the church leaders to distribute to the most needy.

Your Gift

Our goal is to raise a total of 50,000$. Any amount you give will be a blessing.

Your gift will save lives, help the suffering believer, bring the Gospel to many, and strengthen the Church across the Middle East. Luke 4:18-19

Please remember our brothers and sisters in your prayers. 1 Cor 12:26

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Michael Parks

Grace & Peace