Three years ago, the Minister of the Independent Office on Human Rights in the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) extended a meaningful invitation: to teach university students about human rights and religious freedom.

While the KRG officially supports these principles, deep-seated prejudice and systemic challenges continue to affect religious minorities—particularly Christians. In response, we at FPI prayerfully accepted the invitation and began crafting a plan. Our goal is to lead Biblically grounded seminars that both educate and open doors for greater engagement from the evangelical church.

Dr. Charlie Lamento and I had the privilege of launching our first series of seminars with students and faculty from the University of Sulimani, Elite Academy, and Lutka Institute. We focused on foundational topics that integrate human rights with a Biblical worldview—helping students think deeply and spiritually about justice, equality, and freedom.

Charlie excelled in connecting with students through teaching, roundtable conversations, and group discussions. It was very encouraging to see the students’ openness. Many shared that they had never been exposed to these ideas before—let alone encouraged to think critically about them. They were eager, curious, and ready to learn.

The students often told us: “I’ve heard these ideas or thought in this way.”

It was clear they were searching—for truth, for peace, and for a vision of a better Kurdistan. As outsiders, we found that we could speak more freely and directly about sensitive topics than our local Kurdish friends might be able to. And when we did, some students began to truly understand. Some even wanted to learn more.

The seminars were well received and we’ve received multiple invitations to return and expand our program.

This is a new and developing area of ministry for FPI. Please join us in prayer as we explore the next steps, asking the Lord to guide us as we continue to bring the hope of Jesus into every room and relationship.

We’re excited to see what God will do next.