New IM Ministry in Iraq Hello

New Indigenous Ministries Center in Iraq

They don’t know it (yet), but the activities which neighbors are observing in a building in Northern Iraq are actually answers to two years of prayers for a much-needed Iraq ministry center. Thank you for praying!

When we first saw it, the building was, quite frankly, a mess. It was dirty, in disrepair, and many of the windows were broken. For the last three months, these neighbors have also observed cleaners and repairmen traipsing in and out, as well as our staff. Amid the flurry, ministry has already begun as refugees have come and gone, picking up food packages.

With a multi-purpose intent, this new Indigenous Ministries center in Iraq provides a home to better facilitate personal, spiritual, and relational growth of nationals. It will impact Iraq and the Middle East for years to come. Activities include children’s lessons in English and Kurdish, music and art, youth Bible studies, discipleship, and leadership training. There will also be space for women’s ministry and men’s ministry gatherings. One of the greatest needs is trauma counseling and classes to help families recover from post-war effects.

The Middle East Theological College (METC) will also have a place for our classes here, which are filling up fast! As a special “extra,” the center will house up to four pastors (or others in full-time ministry) at a time, enabling them to attend Bible college for the first time. Most can barely afford tuition, let alone a hotel bill two weeks at a time for a module. We’re thankful God has made this possible.

We’ve been asked about safety. How safe is this venture? For now, things are quiet. However, in a region filled with shifting uneasiness and friction, there are no guarantees of peace and safety. But waiting is not the solution either, because our young people in the Child Sponsorship Program are growing up—many with no future and no hope.

Pastors and church leaders are very excited now that they have heard about METC, and we believe God will bless. Please continue to pray with us for this vital ministry.

In March, we’ll hold an open house for the ministry center and invite those in ministry leadership across the region.

The cost for setting up this center is $25,000, and already God has provided 64%. We are deeply grateful for the $16,000 already given to this outreach. While there will be ongoing operating costs, we are working to cover 60–70% through tuition and fees.

If the Lord leads you to help, please designate your gift for the “Erbil Ministry Center.” You can also give to the general fund on our donation page and add “Erbil Ministry Center” in the memo.