2020 has been an unbelievable year of contrasts, hasn’t it? A world-wide pandemic, record breaking wildfires and political tensions galore have forever shaped the 2020 ruts now engraved in our memories.

In spite of it all, we stand humbled and amazed that the ministry is doing well. Like everyone else we’ve had setbacks, but our national teams have continued to minister while keeping as safe as possible. The effects of encouragement, food, masks, sanitizers and other supplies on families have been significant. The children in our sponsor a child program have all received their backpacks and school supplies. Letter writing has been a priority and we’re getting better at keeping it going. IM’s national pastors have not stopped ministering to their congregations! Thank you to our generous donors and prayer partners for standing with us during these tough days!! To God be the glory!

WHAT ABOUT 2021? The doors are wide open for ministry and we are asking the Lord for more workers, more opportunities to impact more people with the Gospel. Paul said in I Cor. 9:22: “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” Would you pray about helping me with the Year End Greatest Need Fund?

God is sovereign and knows the future, and we are trusting him as we move ahead in confidence. We have exciting opportunities in 2021 to impact more people for good, and for eternity. May I share with you the areas we are trusting the Lord for with the 2020 Year End Greatest Need Fund?

International workers’ salaries and fees: Many missionaries have returned home, but IM teams are already home: We need to make up what is lacking in the salaries of these faithful workers and ministers due to monthly shortfalls, and strategically hire a few more. Resources are also needed to expand our national conferences and maintain status with international governments.

John Cook, CEO

Grace Bible College: With rising costs in every sector, the budget has increased to meet the needs. Additionally, several projects for the campus are urgently needed.

General Fund: This vital fund is the headwaters of the ministry covering salaries, bank fees, leases, supplies, CPA and accountant fees, fundraising, etc.

This year we are asking the Lord for $145,000 for the Year End Greatest Need Fund. The contrast of the light of the Gospel brings such hope against the darkness of COVID-19, growing unrest, political tensions and now with many losing their jobs, economic peril!! God has placed us in this time and place that together, we might …Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16. I’m asking the Lord for financial partners so we can reach more people for eternity.
– Thank you and may the Lord bless you, John

“COVID has been very difficult for our family; being kept in the refugee camp is very difficult, but God has been good to us. We know he will bring us through and we trust him for our lives. Thank you for caring for our family and for helping us and sharing God’s Word with us.” – One of many families who have been in lock down for months in a refuge camp in Kurdistan, Iraq.

Family’s Testimony: “We are a family from Syria and have left everything behind and came to Iraq just to live. My daughter had eye cancer just after we came to Kurdistan and Indigenous Ministries helped with her medical expenses and her new glass eye. She is fine now thank God and enjoys being in the sponsorship program and the school supplies. Thank you for the food we receive; we know God is caring for us during these hard days. Because I can’t work we trust God for everything.”

“I miss being at church and hope the AWANA will begin soon! I miss the Bible stories and games. Thank you for helping me know God more and more.” A 10 year old girl who was attending AWANA each week before COVID hit Baghdad. Maryam, the team lead there, has been calling the children each week. The pastor continues to encourage the families weekly.

Husband’s wife left him: “My wife left me after ISIS came because I renounced Islam and became a Christian. But God is good. I have two sons, 11 and 16 and they know God too. My 16 year old son reads the Bible each night and has memorized many chapters in the Bible. He is also teaching other kids at school how to be a real Christian and know God. Thank you for helping with food and education, but you have helped us know God; thank you for this blessed hope.”

Several refugee families had been very sick with COVID and Fadi and I took bags of food and rice to some of these families; when we brought in the food supplies, we heard over and over, “we’ve had no food in the house, this is the only food in the house, thank you.” What a blessing to be able to minister on your behalf, and to help these precious ones.

– John Cook, CEO who was in Kurdistan, Iraq for most of September.

From a widow: “I have two daughters, and one wants to be pharmacist and one wants to be a doctor, and because you are helping them go to school, they have solid chance in their future. Thank you in the name of Jesus.”

From one of the boys in a refugee camp who is in our Sponsor a Child program…” Thank you for the food and for the backpack you give every year. You take care of us each year and I thank God for you!”

Pictures from food distributions this year, a boy holds up the letter he wrote his sponsor, and two sisters look at their sponsor’s letter. Thank you, sponsors!

This month we’re focusing on six young people from our program in Egypt asking that you pray for them in school, in their homes and personal lives as they grow physically, in their studies and spiritually. When these kids first came to us in 2015 when the program there began, they were thin, self-conscious and most were struggling in school. Some weren’t born! We praise God for their growth and development in their lives and are proud of each of them. They represent 73 children in our program in Egypt. Special thanks to our sponsors for faithfully supporting these children.

We praise God that Pastor Emad and the staff are able to visit the children and have given out their backpacks and school supplies. Please visit Indigenous Ministries’ Youtube channel and view the videos posted this month featuring the backpacks and supplies handed out to these kids in Egypt and children in Iraq.

While all the children in the Egypt program are sponsored, if you are interested in sponsoring a child through Indigenous Ministries, we do have refugee children in Iraq who are waiting for a sponsor! Your investment of $39/month will make a difference and help change their future.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

The purpose of the Grace Bible College Bachelor of Theology degree is to prepare students for “grass roots leadership” in qualities, to stimulate evangelistic and missionary zeal to evangelize India and regions beyond.  Some of the classes they are required to take are:

Systemic theology, English, Greek I & II, Missions, Christian Ethics, Christian leadership, Acts of the Apostles, Cultural Anthropology, Indian Church History, Expository Preaching, Prison Epistles, Romans, Homiletics, Hermeneutics, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Major Religion, Pastoral Epistles, Church History, Poetical Books, Cults and Apologetics, I & II Corinthians, and more.

Please pray for the students, faculty and staff of Grace Bible College this month, as classes have begun with the local students.  Right, above, students in chapel, right, below, Grace Tantarpale teaching students in a classroom.

Contact our office to sponsor a GBC student this year.

N. Iraq –  Earlier this month, IM CEO John Cook, left, arrived in Iraq just in time to help Fadi (left), and the team (some are pictured right) prepare supplies and load backpacks for the refugee children. Out of commission is Mryana, who sadly, broke her leg earlier this month.  Please keep her in your prayers.

To view the video John and Fadi recorded (left), visit Indigenous Ministries’s Facebook page.  You can also listen there to John and the team as they were was live on KCMI radio 9/15 in Iraq.   

Thank you to our amazing sponsors and donors who gave funds to make it possible for all the children to receive a backpack!

Majed is a refugee. Although his family still struggles to put their lives back together, he is able to focus on school (which he loves) because he has a backpack,, and of course being with his friends! He also has a growing faith in the Lord.  Thank you, sponsors!

As story after story surfaces, stories mixed with rage and grief of loved ones and friends trying to make some sense of the massive August 4 blast that left 6500 wounded and 171 dead, nothing has been resolved revealing the cause. Protesters have pointed fingers at a corrupt government; Lebanon was already staggered by a free-falling economy prior to the blast. Now, 300,000 homeless and millions of others affected by this blast struggle to regain their lives. This is the time, and a real way to step in with Christ’s love.

Indigenous Ministries is partnering with a sister ministry in Beirut, Lebanon assisting victims of the blast with food, water and clothing, see pics, right. The second level of assistance is to provide half the costs of glass repairs to make homes habitable. Join us in sending a message to the Lebanese people that the Body of Christ in the US cares and is sending in aid.

If the Lord is leading you to help blast victims, you can donate on IMI’s website under “Donate” select, “Beirut Lebanon Blast Aid,” or mail in your check with a memo, “Beirut.”

Quietly he steps out of his small house, walks over to his scooter, checks the fuel level, sighs and pushes the starter.  As he slowly drives around two dogs sleeping in the dusty street, he wonders what happens tomorrow when he can’t go to the market to buy food for his family.  He will be out of fuel by then. He smiles, says a quick prayer reminding the Lord of his need and drives down the road, taking several turns, eventually stopping  in front of a dark door.

A young boy sitting in the dirt near the door, looks at him and stands up.  The pastor smiles, says, “is daddy home?” and the boy runs inside calling for his father.  A young man steps out and quietly welcomes the pastor. Arm on the young father’s shoulder, the pastor spends an hour with him,  praying for this young man, a new widower.  Somewhere as he shares the words of Psalm 91,

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

… “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”

the pastor feels the Lord’s warm hand on his shoulders, reminding him that as he is caring for His sheep, God will care for his needs.  Later that day, one of the members of his church walks down the road, now filled with late afternoon shafts of warm light and puts some money in the pastors’s hand.  He apologizes that it isn’t more, but what he doesn’t know is that it’s exactly enough for the pastor to fill his gas tank.  The pastor smiles, thanks him. His raw faith has once again been met with grace and provision. He straightens his shoulders and looks through a window into his house and meets his wife’s eyes.

For pastors who work with the very poor worldwide, these days are especially challenging. COVID is leaving a brutal economic trail. There are no human guarantees, no government safety net.  But this is not our home, is it?  We are merely pilgrims passing through.  During these days, we are privileged to walk alongside these heroes and help them in their journey of caring for the Bride of Christ.

Pastor Appreciation Month is October. Where would we be without our under-shepherds?  Those God has chosen to lead his people, in large communities or tiny villages. Indigenous Ministries continues to encourage, train and assist national pastors with the purpose of standing by the local, national church, pastored by these pastors.

The IM Global Church Planting Initiative (GCPI) arm of the ministry provides church planting guidance and assistance to national pastors.  We stand with them in difficult areas of the world, helping them so they are able to remain faithful to their flocks.  It may mean a salary for a period of time ( until the church has become solid and able to support the pastor. It may mean attending pastors’ conferences for continual encouragement and pastoral education during challenging days. At times it means emails and phone calls.

Each year Indigenous Ministries invites (national) pastors to attend our National Pastors’ Conferences overseas.  We’re preparing right now for a blessed 2021 season, Lord willing. Watch for these opportunities to join us in prayer and to provide financial scholarships making it possible for local pastors can attend.  We also invite US pastors to join us overseas to teach.  For more information, please visit IM’s website.

We are privileged to have faithful donors who give to the GCPI fund and help national pastors each month.  If you have a special place in your heart for your pastor, don’t forget to say an encouraging word to him.  Maybe God is nudging, leading you to stand with us in stepping up for the under-shepherds in the Middle East, India and the Philippines.  We’d be privileged to welcome you onboard as a prayer and/or financial partner!       

        – Dee A. Cook, pastor’s wife for 26 years

Background: Beginning in 2003 when GBC was established in partnership with Indigenous Ministries, students met in rented facilities. In 2007, two acres were purchased but construction of the campus did not start until 2014 when the GBC chapel was built, and then in Spring 2015 shipping containers were turned into men’s dorms and the men’s bathroom block.

The dorms were refurbished in 2019, but there were not enough funds to refurbish the bathrooms which were in badly need of upkeep.

The additional year’s wear and tear has made the repairs more expensive than sensible, and the decision was made recently to replace the containers with a permanent building for the men. For those who are wondering, the septic system, built in 2015, is more than adequate.

The facilities are used daily by 40-45 men on the campus for nine months of the year. It is also available for guests on campus each week for church services held in the chapel. There is no women’s dormitory on campus; the women live off-campus.

Cost of this project: $10,000
Funding still needed: $9,000

We are seeking financial partners for this project. This completed project will enable GBC to meet current needs and position the school for future growth. Thank you for prayerfully considering a generous gift to move this very important project forward to completion. Last month we shared that GBC was hoping to re-open in September, but was unable to secure government approval. Eager students arrive on campus soon as the school has been given tentative approval to begin the week of October 5-9. It’s urgent this building be completed as soon as possible. To donate online, donate to “GBC” with a memo, “Men’s Bathroom,” or mail your check with “Men’s Bathroom” in the memo line.

Grace Bible College is a three year Christian college located in central India in partnership with Indigenous Ministries, USA, training national men and women from India with a biblical education for a lifetime of vocational ministry. Additionally, GBC offers disciplines and training in spiritual foundations preparing young people for secular business and academics.
Our mutual mission is to reach nationals through nationals with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

While cash does get the most votes as the most convenient way for a nonprofit like Indigenous Ministries to process a gift and put it to good use, there are other gifts which can be used for the Kingdom. They are called in-kind gifts and include time (volunteering), services, food, discounts, vehicles (which we have a need for) stocks or directed funds. In fact, through the years, all of the above have been given to this ministry as well as clothing, books and office computers donated too.

Estate planning can also be a way to include the ministry in your future plans. Indigenous Ministries is a listed beneficiary at Waterstone in Colorado Springs. Waterstone (waterstone.org) is a Christ-centered organization focused on helping set up trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and giving funds. This makes it possible the donation of securities, business interests, stocks or other non-traditional assets to the ministry. As you look at leaving a legacy, consider including IM as we reach nationals through nationals with the gospel.

Can you introduce us to your church leadership? We’d love to meet them and connect our ministries.

Another way to help Indigenous Ministries is to sign up for Amazon Smile and select Indigenous Ministries as a beneficiary of a percentage of your purchases (it doesn’t cost you extra).

Ways to click: Look for our ads on Facebook and Linkedin and “like” them. Watch our Youtube videos; when you do, you support the Christian community. Visit our Facebook page and like it. Like IM’s FB page.

Are you good at organizing 5Ks? Golf tournaments? Are you good at connections? Let’s talk! IM is looking for partners to help raise awareness for the Sponsor a Child Program.

If you would like more information, or are thinking of making an in-kind donation to Indigenous Ministries, please email our office at [email protected] God bless you.

Egypt – Samuel receives this month’s food packet for his family. Above left, Keroles.

IF YOU’VE BEEN PART OF THE Indigenous Ministries community for more than a few months, you’re aware of the regular food distributions our national teams coordinate.  And its true.  Each month, thousands in need regularly benefit from these packets.

But the COVID-19 economic fallout is leaving MASSIVE gaps in the needs verses income for millions world wide, and we are seeing this firsthand.  Refugees have been clinging to the edge of the poverty shelf; now the shelf has collapsed.  The need for food is dire; 35+ families call or come to the Indigenous Ministries’ office in Erbil DAILY asking for food.

In July and August, IM teams in Egypt, Iraq and the Philippines have given (and continue to do so) out thousands of pounds of food, staples, cleaning supplies, and COVID-19 masks. In this article, we pictures of some of the children and adults on the receiving end.

On August 17, as you were thinking of a mid-afternoon snack, our team in Kurdistan was just getting home at midnight from a refugee camp.  Earlier that evening

A brother and sister in N. Iraq next to their family’s food packet earlier this month

N. Iraq – left, Pastor Sabri with one of the men in his church as he receives a food packet. He continues to search for work to care for his family.

Fadi, who is the IMteam lead, walked through a massive market to reach the camp, directing the large truck filled with food supplies to the appropriate entrance.  After meeting up with several men from the camp, they loaded cart after cart and rolled the supplies into the camp to a room waiting with hopeful families.  Fadi oversees every detail of food distributions making sure no bundles disappear.  After signing for their packet, each moved off to their small apartment to begin preparations for their evening meal.

How do families receive food from Indigenous Ministries?

• Their child(ren) are enrolled in the child sponsorship program
• Through the Rapid Response Fund, we are able to help families outside the program

HOW YOU CAN ENGAGE:  Sponsor a child for $39/month and/or donate to the Rapid Response Fund.  Representing the faithfulness and presence of the Lord to children and parents, your part in this process really does make a big difference.  God bless you.

Egypt – left, New logo pencil zip cases bring smiles to the faces of children at August’s food distribution. Right, Meena and far right, Yousif receive food packets this month for their mothers.