Indigenous Ministries

Indigenous Ministries

Beyond the Map

Refugees Given Aid Through Iraq Relief Fund

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Last month in Iraq over 60 refugee families received food packets as a result of your generous ongoing donations to the Iraq Relief Fund.  These are families who do not have children, therefore, are ineligible to receive aid from our Child Sponsorship Program. We were also able to assist with medications and heaters.  Please consider a generous gift to this fund, as it was all used last month.  Any gifts given to this fund are used directly to bring relief to refugees through our partnerships with local churches. 

Pastor Mike Lundberg hands a food package to a young father

US Pastors Share Firsthand Impressions of Iraq

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By Pastor Mike Lundberg

Church on the Hill, Montrose, CO

I had the privilege of traveling to Iraq with John and Dee Cook from January 14-29, 2019. It was a rewarding, eye-opening and life-changing adventure. We flew in to Erbil and met some of IMI’s Iraq staff. Their warmth, consistency, support and faithfulness contributed to our successful trip.  We met several of the refugee families in Erbil and were deeply touched by their stories of courage and faith in the face of extreme opposition and heartbreak from losing homes, possessions, jobs and worst of all family members. Some of these were internally displaced Iraqis and others were refugees fleeing the war in Syria.  

As a result of their plight, my wife and I have begun sponsoring a young Syrian girl in IMI’s child refugee sponsorship program. Nationals helping IMI in that part of Iraq are making a huge difference as we assisted in the food distribution that was a blessing to the Iraqi families trying to rebuild their homes and community that had been destroyed by ISIS.

We also spent a few days in Baghdad visiting the churches IMI works with there. It was refreshing to hear that all seven of the evangelical churches work together.  Since Christians are such a small minority in that city of nearly 9 million, according to 2016 statistics, their unity was inspiring. I also appreciated their passion for their city, culture and especially for Muslim background believers that were attending their churches. They were learning to love their former enemies in practical ways.  

I was thrilled to see God working through faithful Iraqi nationals and IMI.  As one Iraqi pastor put it, “Our time is now!”  I believe it is.  God is going to do great things once again in the “Cradle of Civilization.”

By Pastor Jon Campbell

Emanuel Baptist Church, Kinston, NC

My experience in Iraq has and will continue to change me and my worldview for years to come.  Despite great evil, suffering, and oppression, God is building his church through many faithful and joyful believers.  Their faithfulness to the Lord and their joy in the Lord was overwhelming! 

On the other hand, seeing the suffering of the refugees first-hand was also overwhelming.  So many people who are in desperate need of the necessities of life.  I came away impressed with the passionate commitment of Indigenous Ministries and their whole staff to be personally involved in helping refugee families who have lost virtually everything! I saw the hope that the work of IM is building into people through the generosity of so many people through the grace of God.  

By Pastor Ken Ford

Alton Bible Church, Lowell, MI

Words fail me to effectively communicate the situation I observed recently in Iraq.  The great need, the deep pain, the abounding opportunity, the astounding work of God in the midst of it all.  People literally being sustained by the food distributed through IM child sponsorships and the Iraq Relief Project.  People holding on knowing someone far away cares enough to love and support them.  Numerous testimonies of those who, through the effective ministry of IM, have come to Christ during this time of crisis.  There is so much need I urge you to give more than you think you can.  I wish I could express to you the delight to my soul to worship together with those who are the fruit of these labors.   I have seen the need as well as the meaningful and effective ministry of IM—they are making a real difference with your partnership.  Thank you for being a part of this special ministry and please encourage others to join in this great work.  

    Christmas in Iraq

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    Your word, Lord, is eternal;  it stands firm in the heavens. 

    Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Psalms 119:89, 90

    In December, the Iraq IM Team held three Christmas parties for the refugee children you sponsor. They also gave out these fluffy animals to each of the children with Scriptures in their own language on a solar powered player. The kids had a wonderful time and were really excited to receive their gifts!

    The children can now listen to Bible stories set to music. So many of them tell our team they go to sleep at night with their fluffy friend. 

    Thank you for helping these families have a special Christmas!  

    The kids in these pics are in the Iraq Refugee Child Sponsorship Program. Special thanks to our wonderful and talented Smile Team, top, who performed great skits, songs and shared Christ with the kids. Please continue to pray for this vital ministry.  

    Church Building for Egyptian Church Plant

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    Please be in prayer for one of our church plants in Egypt which has received permission from the Department of Security and the Federal Government to build a church building on land that has been purchased through gifts to Indigenous Ministries. The next steps will be to raise funding for the building.  Would you begin praying with us for this process as they identify the amount that will be?  Thank you.

    Year End Greatest Need Fund

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    As 2018 draws to a close, our hearts overflow with thankfulness to the Lord for an unprecedented year marked with growth, challenges and successes. We simply could not do this without you, our prayer and financial partners. For the past two months we have detailed the $130,000 year end fund goal of which $46,500 has been received. Would you consider a generous gift to “The Greatest Need” before the end of the year? Your year end gift, no matter what size, is a significant part of our ability to continue to effectively reach nationals with the Gospel. Thank you and may God bless you.

    Iraq Update

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    The UNHCR’s figures take the world’s refugee numbers to a staggering 22.5 million. Five million souls have left Syria after seven years of a civil war. One of the areas they are attracted to is northern Iraq. IM’s team helps these refugees as well as Iraqi refugees in Kurdistan and outside of Mosul.

    The impact of food distributions in an area where unemployment is 55-59% is vital for families who struggle for stability. School supplies for the children helps to lift burdens from over-taxed parents.

    In November, John and Dee Cook joined our Iraq team for a food distribution outside Mosul. As families arrived, parents were visited with, food packets given and to the kids’ surprise and delight, a Christmas craft awaited their small hands; one for themselves, and one for their sponsor. Even Spider-Man (below) showed up and had a great time making a crèche!

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    With the growth over the last year of this Refugee Child Sponsorship Program, we are delighted to welcome three new team members. Their work with logistics, Bible studies and keeping track of the families has already been a huge asset! Enjoy the pics from this memorable day, and thank you for your continued prayers and financial partnership which the Lord is using. Hundreds more children are waiting sponsorship. If you feel the Lord leading you to become a sponsor like some of our sponsors below, welcome! Visit our website, IndigenousMinistries.org, on the right click “Sponsor a Child.” You and your family are not going out to McDonalds for one time can help feed a family for two months. Wow, that’s impactful. $39/month per child. Thank you.

    As of Dec. 1, 2018:

    Refugee kids in program: 242

    Kids sponsored: 220

     

    The local, national church is the heart of our ministry. Left, John spoke last month in Kurdistan, and as a result of the pastor’s ministry and the Word shared, 28 indicated a decision for Christ. They will be followed up with through the local church pastor and teams. Right, Dee held two women’s meetings, one in a refugee camp and one in the church; both were packed. Thank you for your partnership.  Please continue to pray for Pastor Sabre, the church and our IM team members.

    2018 Christmas Catalogue

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    This Christmas, give your family and friends gifts with double effectiveness. It will bless those who are less fortunate and change lives for good. Our Christmas Catalogue has gifts from $15 to $1200!

    Each gift has a suggested donation amount and when you donate online, you will receive an email confirmation with a gift voucher for you to print and put under the Christmas tree. Maybe you’re missing someone special and want to give a gift in his or her memory…our little Angel Lamb, new this year to our catalogue, is a loving tribute. Each gift will further the work of Indigenous Ministries reaching out through our national teams to thousands with the Gospel.

    Click on “Christmas Gift Catalogue” on the right hand banner to start shopping!

    Mary’s Song of Praise: The Magnificat

     And Mary said,

    “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

     for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

        For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

    for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

     

    And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

    He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

    he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

    he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

    He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers,

        to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

     

    Luke 1:46-55 English Standard Version (ESV)

    School Supplies Distribution – Refugee Child Sponsorship Program, Iraq ~ October 2018

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    “We’re so thankful for each sponsor who is making a difference in the lives of refugee kids and their parents through our Refugee Child Sponsorship Program in Iraq. Your love and compassion are changing lives!

    School began in Iraq last month, which means our national team was very busy buying and distributing backpacks, school supplies, and school uniforms. Thank you to each one who generously donated to help send the children to school! The video above shows some photos from this time while Mryanna shares a story of one of the families in our program.

    Why are backpacks, uniforms, and other supplies so important for refugee kids? Because without them, these children cannot go to school. To these refugee children, the gift of a backpack, uniform, and school supplies is more than the items themselves, it is the opportunity to receive an education, which gives hope for a bright future. Thank you for making this a reality for kids in this difficult situation!”

    Year End Greatest Need Fund

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    As we look to the completion of the year of ministry in 2018, I reflect on all the Lord has allowed us together to accomplish with a warm and grateful heart. Last month I shared with you some of the highlights of 2018 so far.

    The transition from taking our sponsorship program from 125 to close to 400 children and students in our sponsorship program is really something I am immensely grateful for. It’s a growth point that comes with it’s own challenges as our staff both here in our Colorado Springs office and overseas have been stretched to new limits. Yet each time a child, dad or mom responds to the love of Christ we’re reminded that it’s for this very purpose in this part of history that we’ve been put in the Harvest together.

    I ask you to join me with a fresh walk of faith as we look to the Lord for 2019. The victories of 2018 are all for the Glory of God, but they belong to this year. As I’ve prayed and asked God for His direction for the upcoming year, I’d like to share some thoughts.:

    Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

    We are asking the Lord for the largest financial target yet of $130,000 to finish this year and prepare for what He has in store for 2019. I’d like to share with you where these funds are needed, and ask that you prayerfully consider what the Lord may have you be part of in this campaign.

    The year end gifts this year are so important to us as a nonprofit because it enables us both to finish 2018 well and to plan well for 2019 ministry. We call it the “Year End Greatest Need Fund.” Here’s what the year end fund will do:

    Colorado Springs office – This is ground zero for the entire ministry. As the Lord has increased our borders, naturally, our staff needs have grown, and we’re blessed to have a fantastic, dedicated team! Our full time ministry staff raise their personal salaries, but we do not require our administrative staff to do so. This year we’re including a new position and admin needs in our year end number to bring our office in better balance for the long run.

    Church plant property in Iraq – The Kurdistan government has offered to GIFT four acres to one of our church plants in Iraq with the agreement that the church pay $40,000. We want to help with $30,000 and ask that the local church in Iraq raise $10,000.

    Van for Refugee Child Sponsorship Program in Iraq – We’ve already raised $15,000 of the $25,000 needed for this van and this will help complete this very important project.

    Van for Grace Bible College in India – This $25,000 project will allow the staff to retire an old van that the government will not allow on the roads after 2018 due to its age. This will transport students and staff.

    Travel funds – In the past we’ve also asked our full time staff to raise their own travel funds in addition to raising their own salary. We’re changing this policy, as we believe a better use of staff energies is to invest in the ministry itself as it is rapidly expanding.

    Donate online or send a check with “Greatest Need Campaign” in the note area. Thank you for prayerfully engaging with us in this campaign. It is because of your faithful partnership that we’re able to increase impact in some of the most needful places around the world. Thank you for all you do; we’re grateful! To God be the Glory.