God is using Samaritan’s Purse programs in this war-torn nation to restore the lives of displaced people.
With a history of work in Iraq that dates back to 1991, Samaritan’s Purse continues to minister to the needs of the hurting in this rugged, war-torn land. ISIS’ takeover of parts of the country from 2014-2017 left lasting scars on the hearts and lives of its people. Many lost loved ones as well as their very livelihoods, and people continue to suffer from the trauma they experienced.
Women show off some of the handicrafts they learned to make and sell at Grace Community Center.
Samaritan’s Purse now helps entire Yazidi families—members of a long persecuted people group—through our Grace Community Center. The site is located on the outskirts of a camp for those displaced by conflict. Men receive training in carpentry, women learn handicrafts, youth study English and computers, all while children are given safe places to play and develop.
In another area of Iraq, our Yazidi Empowerment Project gives families a permanent home and place to work, growing their own produce in brand-new greenhouses. This opportunity restores their dignity after years of living in tents on limited food rations. The onsite community center also offers supplemental education classes for citizens of the surrounding towns.
In these locations as well as others, we are helping people of all ages recover from the emotional and spiritual wounds of war by providing Biblically based lessons on forgiveness.
“If you look throughout the Old Testament, Iraq is almost everywhere,” said Matthew Nowery, Samaritan’s Purse country director for Northern Iraq. “The roots of Christianity are in this land. I see Samaritan’s Purse as just one link in this historical chain glorifying God. If you think of the Biblical characters who lived in this land, you go from Nimrud to Abraham to Jonah. The open door for Samaritan’s Purse to work here in Iraq is nothing short of miraculous. We’re committed to helping Iraqis find Jesus and to know His love for them.”
Formerly displaced people grow cucumbers and tomatoes in greenhouses provided for them at the Yazidi Empowerment Project.
