Iraq – On March 12, Dee and I found ourselves in an emergency evacuation situation having to leave Iraq. We didn’t want to leave at that time, but felt it prudent, as President Trump announced the closure of European borders. We purchased new tickets and flew through Dubai/JFK/DIA. Twelve hours later, the local government closed all roads and soon after, the airport, making God’s timing obvious. We’re both well by God’s grace. Thanks for your prayers. – John & Dee

The Iraq teams are well. The government(s) are in full lockdown (Iraq Federal and Kurdistan) with churches, schools, businesses and refuge camps closed. N. Iraq began early March. Reported cases of COVID19 are low, although not all refugees have been able to check in. There are heavy fines for driving in areas of Iraq in an effort to keep COVID19’s influx from Iran at bay. The stories of needs from the refugees are heartbreaking and we will share them in a different update.

Baghdad – From Pastor Ara: Praise the Lord, we’re doing well, and all the congregation of the church are safe. In fact we canceled all the events that we had since 4 weeks ago, and stopped also the Sunday worship services since last week.
Actually, it is not easy to stop Sunday worship meetings in such a context, and we worry that maybe we will cancel the services of the Holy Week and Easter. We arranged to distribute the food bags (to refugee families in the child sponsorship program) next week, but we expect that the government will extend the lockdown (For a special blessing, be sure to read his full interview here).

Philippines – Resty reports that the PI is also in full lockdown with fines for movement on roads. The children in the child sponsorship program are home and the school is closed. It’s difficult to say whether there are COVID19 cases because tests are not readily available. Again, economically, the toll is especially heavy for the poorest.

Egypt – The churches and schools are closed and the government has taken precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. With little/no testing available, it’s difficult to say how many have been infected, but the government claims numbers are low. Pastor Emad’s mother in law passed away from a heart attack earlier this month, and the family asked for special prayers during this time of their loss. John was there in early March with the team and they filmed this video:

Click here for a very special video field update from John Cook and part of the Egypt team on the IM Child Sponsorship Program.

India – Days before the Indian Gov’t completely shut, Principal Pramod felt led to send the first and second year students home. Good thing he did because the massive railway (with 12,617 trains transporting over 23 million passengers daily), among other transportation systems and businesses, has also been suspended. The third year students are completing their final exams and helping around campus. He reports that all are well and thanks everyone for the prayers and encouragement.

Colorado Springs office – The state of Colorado went into full lockdown on March 27, but our staff began working from home two weeks prior and check in at the office regularly (mail and deposits). Melanie and Star have small children and Melanie is pregnant, so we are being extra careful. Reda, Samira and family are doing well, as are John and Dee.

If you have questions about your donations, you can email Star at: [email protected], or call our office at 719-302-3028. To sponsor a child, GBC student or national pastor, pls visit our website.
James reminds us in Jas 1:27 that “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial gifts which enable us to continue to minister effectively with nationals sharing the Hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost.

We don’t need to be overcome by this crisis, rather, draw on the Lord’s strength and we can petition through prayers for those suffering from COVID19, the healthcare workers, our family and friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world!

The once-beautiful Syrian city of Homs destroyed due to the Syrian Civil War Photo used by permission taken in 2019

Iraq – As the Coronavirus grips many with fear, this week I met with 18 Syrian men, within our church in northern Iraq. They left their country because of the violence and have come to Iraq as a staging ground as refugees in hope for immigration to Australia. Some have their children in our program.

Daily, these men wrestle with the issues of being a refugee in a country that is not their own, trapped in the middle of a conflict that they did not create, walking a path they did not expect. The ground seems to have been leveled globally with uncertainty, but this time it’s an unseen virus bringing many to a sense of panic.

One of the men from Damascus, a chemical engineer, shared how he fled to Homs for safety but when he and his family arrived in this city, found it to have been destroyed. Can you imagine how incredibly difficult this is for them? They are not guaranteed immigration, yet they wait, and in hope they look to the future. I reminded the men that Jesus said, “I will never leave you, never will I forsake you,” and I shared from Heb. 4:14-16. But as I looked into each man’s eyes I asked myself the question, what about today?

…we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but One who has been tested in every as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:14-16 Holman

Meeting with Syrian Refuges

Years ago during a very difficult time in our ministry, one of the men of the church I was pastoring came behind me put his hand upon my shoulder. A big smile came across his face as he asked, “Pastor John, how are you doing?” Those words he shared with me and the memory of his hand on my shoulder resonate with me years later. It made a difference that someone cared.

Worldwide, millions are genuinely terrified of the Coronavirus; medical professionals continue to reassure that much information online is inaccurate. Yet what is accurate, according to the WHO, is what another killer does each year: cardiovascular heart disease claimed 17.9 million lives in 2016, making it the #1 cause of death worldwide. Cancer, terrorism and car accidents also claim millions each year. But this virus is crippling many with fear. Why? because we can’t control or stop it.

Rational or irrational fears? Depends who you talk with. Our response to the Coronavirus, however, has the potential to make us more compassionate to refugees whose fears are rational. But our compassion in potential is only existent in reality through actions.

I reminded the Syrian men of our Father’s care, and that many people are praying for them. Their response? Anger? Fear? Resentment? All refugees struggle with their thoughts in these areas, but these men have worked to keep a focus on God. They also have a deep gratefulness and humility to the Lord for bringing them this far.

IM assists refugee families in Iraq through our Rapid Response Fund. Children and their families in the Child Sponsorship Program receive regular food and assistance.

– John Cook, CEO

Annual Backpack/School Supplies Fundraiser kicks off as John & Dee meet with refugee kids in Iraq!

We’ve been in Iraq enjoying meeting with some of the refugee kids in our Child Sponsorship Program. Look for updates on FB and indigenousministries.org and new videos on Indigenous Ministries International YouTube channel.

This year Indigenous Ministries is helping many children in the Middle East and the Philippines go to school with the supplies and uniforms they need through the Backpack/School Supplies Fundraiser. Donate to this worthy cause on our website.

Ministering in one of the most tumultuous and politically charged Islamic cities in the world, Baghdad, this pastor is definitely dedicated. He and his wife minister under stresses and pressures most of us cannot imagine, yet alone handle. So how does he do it? What does success look like for his church? And do we have a part in all this? The church he serves is a vital beacon of hope in Baghdad. A quiet, pensive and humble servant of the Lord, the man you’ll meet is also courageous with a grace in suffering from the Lord. (We are not sharing his picture due to security issues).

I asked him to share with us on several topics giving us entrance into his unique world:

Pastor, what are some of the ways you are seeing growth in your church? Since 2012 till now I have seen that the hand of the Lord is working in a number of people, who believed in Christ, have been baptized, and started serving the Lord in several ministries.

Each year I have between 3-5 people believing and following in baptisms, in addition, each year several people are believing but they cannot take baptism due to their cultural and traditional challenges. In spite of that I have more than 30 active leaders in the different aspects of the ministry, and most of them are the fruits of the creative ministry that we have started in the end of 2012.

Pastor, take us back in time. How did you end up in this very challenging ministry in Iraq? The date June 26, 2012, was one of the important dates in my life. I went back from Beirut to Baghdad, with my MDiv certificate, to lead the church in Baghdad, in that difficult time. This was when a number of Christian families had left after the massacre of the Lady of Salvation Cathedral.*

It was a very difficult time to return, and lead a small congregation, with a small number of leaders. At that time, I was in prayer before God to ask him about the way He wanted me to continue in it, to reach the outsiders with the Gospel.

In September in the same year, we developed these Vision and Mission statements:
1. To see God glorified in our ministry and country, through our ministry
2. To witness Christ and His work by what we say and do

Between September 2012, until September 2014** the Lord was working in my life, and the team of ministry’s lives. In 2014 we started working with displaced families from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, from Mosul, Nineveh plain, and west of Iraq.

We supported them by providing food packages, materials for school, and gifts for students, beside presenting the values of the Kingdom of God by the team of AWANA.

What have been some of your biggest challenges? In the first two years, I faced challenges concerning applying the vision and mission in the midst of difficult context. But in September 2014 the Lord opened a new and important door for His ministry; visiting the refugee camps outside Baghdad, first starting with Muslim Shia, then Sunni, Yazidis, and Roman Catholic, till now. However, the challenges changed, like the situation in Iraq quickly.

After the dramatic changes in Iraq at the end of the last year***, and the protesters being in the roads and squares, the congregation of the church decided to present a positive response. We visited the Liberty square in the center of Baghdad, brought food to the protesters, and prayed for the people and the country in the midst of the square. The big challenge that we are facing right now is the unstable situation in Iraq with the protesting people, who are asking for the Justice, Equality and Rights.

How did your training prepare you for this ministry? My training in the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut for three years in intensive courses was important to me to in reshaping my opinion about the ministry, and God’s mission for His church.

I learned that the ministry is not only the classic services that we know, which are held inside the building of the church. In fact, the real and effective ministry takes place outside the building of the church, when the people of God meet together, pray and encourage each other, learn from each other, and bring the Word of God to those far from Him. Those who don’t want to or are unable to visit the church in the classic services.

Please share with us some of the work of the Lord that is going on in the church and through it: We experience the power of the Lord through several ministries; celebrations and events we hold inside and outside the building of the church such as: The Word of Life Bookshop and Cultural-Educational Center, lectures and trainings.

As a church, we also collaborate with relief programs, especially the program of Child Sponsorships in collaboration with Indigenous Ministries to support the displaced families and their children who attend Sunday School, and are learning from the Word of God. I am very pleased to see the children from the Nineveh Plain try to get Kingdom values in their life; even with difficult situations in their life.

Before I left Iraq to Beirut for my training in 2009, I received a promise from the Lord from Genesis 28:13-15, which was a call for me to come back to this country, to serve Him. Then, when I came and started the ministry, these verses have continued to be in front of my eyes. Especially when I am presenting lectures at universities or institutes, or am meeting with government officials or political figures.

In spite of our difficult context, the promise of the Lord and my calling are always leading me to serve Him, not in my own way and will, but in His Way, to fulfill His will.

What are some fun and relaxing activities you and the church enjoy? We have picnics several times per year. In addition, we have times for fun during celebrations such as; Mother’s day, Father’s day, special events for children or women. Aside from that, we are planning to arrange a four day picnic in Erbil, to hold the yearly conference of our church, and get some rest as a family.

Special thanks to Pastor Ara for sharing his heart and articulating his challenges and blessings to us.

Jobless refugees, a weakened local economy and terrorism are the perfect storm against the Church, but this is God’s Church and he’s had a plan to protect his Bride for centuries. We believe God has asked us “for such a time as this…” to stand shoulder to shoulder with Pastor Ara and other pastors in the Middle East. Month after month, year after year.

When you and I are consistent with our prayers, monthly financial support, and encouragement for them, we help form a faith-shield around their hearts, which gives strength and emboldens them as the under-shepherd the people need!!

Did you know IM hosts conferences and meetings designed to encourage and bless national pastors (and students in training for ministry) in the Middle East, India, and the Philippines? To find out more visit indigenousministries.org.

Your prayers and support for Pastor Ara and other pastors through our Global Church Planting Initiative is truly a blessing. God is using you to change lives! With an urgent need for $24,000 this year, your help is vital for these pastors.

Donate now to the Global Church Planting Initiative at indigenousministries.org.

I Timothy 5:17  “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor,

especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.”

On February 15, thirteen Grace Bible College students crossed the platform to receive their diplomas. For some it was a three year journey to prepare for full time ministry. For others, it was a one year diploma with a biblical grounding for a future as a teacher, housewife or government worker. With a solid education and biblical foundation from GBC they are equipped for the future God has in store.

Special thanks to our sponsors, both prayer and financial, for their steadfast ongoing support of these students and GBC. You are part of this chain and we’re excited to be linked together for the glory of God!

Please click below to enjoy a video on the Please click below to enjoy a video on the graduation!

Graduation Video

Each February, GBC hosts seven days of daily classes and lecturers by US guests. This year’s team included returning guest Phil Bairrington, a scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; he taught “Science and the Bible,” including a number of experiments and explosions, which always generate keen interest! Robert Jones taught “The Attributes of God,” Richard Long taught from the book of John and IM CEO John Cook shared “Risking to Lead in Christ’s Power.” Thank you, to our team for their self-sacrificial ministry to these students, and for your prayers for this week which helped make it a huge success! The students and faculty very much enjoyed the excellent ministry the men shared.

The team met with students, spoke in area churches, participated in an area-wide youth meeting and GBC’s graduation ceremony. They managed to make time to visit a tiger sanctuary, ancient fort and palace and the India Gate in Mumbai! Phew!

Doors open March 1 for registration for the February 2021 Winter Teaching Module. Seats are limited! If you’d like to explore this opportunity to invest your life into these young people, or want to meet your sponsored student, shoot Reda an email at [email protected] for more information.

L-R, John, Richard, Robert & Phil

Watch the video re-cap of this week on our YouTube channel, Indigenous Ministries International. Subscribe to our channel to be notified of the newest videos! Feel free to share the videos.

BEHOLD HOW GOOD AND PLEASANT IT IS FOR BRETHERN TO DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITY…FOR THERE THE LORD HAS COMMANDED THE BLESSING; EVEN LIFE FOREVER MORE.  PSALM 133

LINKED FOR EFFECTIVENESS:  IM and GBC have been working together since 2003 training nationals to reach their own people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We think nationals are best suited to reach their own people for some very practical reasons.  They carry a special burden God has placed on their heart for their own families, communities and country; they speak the language flawlessly, know the culture and are accountable for character and integrity within the community.

LINKED FOR STRENGTH: we sharpen each other, as iron sharpens iron, Proverbs 27:17, linking together to encourage faithfulness in serving the Lord.

LINKED WITH MANY: Since 2003, this chain has been growing…not only Indigenous Ministries and Grace Bible College, but now the chain includes our many wonderful sponsors, prayer partners.  In India, it includes now the alumnus and the many ministries they are involved in…all because the forging of a vision, and a dream to link together over the oceans and miles. 

LINKED IN SPIRITUAL BATTLE:  Throughout India, from the Himalayas in the north, to Varanasi, which is considered by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists alike as the spiritual capital of India, to southern most tip of India, the battle for souls in India is ongoing.  God wants to draw each to himself, yet Satan is also engaged in the battle for souls. GBC Is in the heart of the country and in the heart of this battle. Together, we are stronger lifting up the name of the Lord!

And I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in joy for Christ’s sake. Philemon 1:6

LINK UP WITH US!  Our prayer is that many more prayer and financial partners will link arm in arm with us to continue to see these young people trained.

THE URGENT NEED TODAY is for 15 GBC students to be sponsored at $100/month by the end of March.  Invest your wealth into the education of a Bible college student.  You’ll receive a profile and photo of your student.  Go online or use the form on page four today to begin your sponsorship.

Visit our YouTube channel for videos on GBC’s graduation, Winter Teaching Module and student interviews.

On January 8, Iran launched several missiles at Iraq in retaliation for the killing of General Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s most powerful military commander, earlier in the month. Several flew over the area where one of our offices in Iraq is located. All our staff and those in the Child Sponsorship Program are safe. While initially there were no reported fatalities or injuries among US groups or Iraqis, since our first edition of this month’s newsletter was released, US military spokespersons have said that as many as 50 US service members have since been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.

The last several months have been progressively staggering to see what is taking place in both Iraq and Iran. In the Fall of 2019, banners and flags were raised over houses and mosques in Iraq about a coming conflict between the populace of Iraq and the various militias represented in the country. With great concern, my wife and I traveled our way through checkpoints and listened as several commanders made the statement that it was not safe to be there. The political climate in Iraq continues to be volatile and uncertain, greatly affecting the people.

What most do not know is that with the fluid situation ISIS created, it has given various factions an opportunity to move into places that were previously held in Christian cities and villages, to take homes that were abandoned or even sold to Shia militias or a militia supported by Iran military. In one city near Mosul, the populous that was once 100% Christian has been adversely transformed to 60% Shia Muslim or Iranian backed. This has led to a new level of persecution against the Christians as our friends are endeavoring to stay true to the Faith. Of course ISIS is Sunni Muslim and there is extreme animosity between the two sects of Islam. For over a thousand years blood has been shed between the two sects with extreme insistence that one or the other must be followed and death is their ultimate goal of their enemy, the opposing sect. But the common goal they have held is the eradication of Christians from Iraq.

The protests in Baghdad against a corruption in the government in Iraq is etched in my mind. The young people protesting in Baghdad who stood unarmed has probably one of the most courageous things I’ve seen. Young men and women asking for clean water a better economy better jobs and a better life standing against armed military. Iraq is the second largest oil producing country in the world with revenues of approximately $264 million in oil sales per day. This money has not benefited the Iraqi people. Many times, in recent protests, tear gas canisters have been aimed at a protestor’s head, killing those who were hit by them. I have a photo of a 15 year old boy who was shot through the heart, on his knees, at the last moments of his life looking at men who were supposedly the army of Iraq, who had just ended his life. In Basra, the water is so polluted that the water comes out grey with a white foam and you can actually light the fumes that emit from the water.

What you are seeing in the news with Iraqis demanding the US leave Iraq does not represent the heart of the Iraqi people. In fact there is only a marginal amount of Iraqis who want the US to leave.

In all of this, we have the missile strike and the tragedy of the Ukrainian airline going down on January 8. With the show of force that the US displayed to the Iranian government, a number of things to keep in mind that are not being revealed via the US mainstream media. When the missiles (17-22) were launched against targets in Iraq at various places that the US operates from, that night at least one missile flew over one of our two offices in Iraq. The good news is that there was no loss of life. One was reported to have a can of Coke in the payload. With the Ukrainian airliner being confirmed shot down by Iran, we are seeing behind the veil of a fear and now respect of the United States.

If there was ever a time to be available in reaching Iraq and Iran for Christ, I think the time is now. We are positioned correctly to make an impact for the Lord. With our outreach through the believers and churches through our child sponsorships we are seeing people won to Christ heart and soul. The Lord is using people like yourself to assist people in coming to know the Lord as their personal Savior. Time is of the essence in caring for these people and building relationships with them and sharing with them the only hope that we have. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon. In 2020, would you help us share with the people of Iraq the Hope found in Christ? Your financial gifts make it possible for us to continue to minister in Iraq.