Two weeks and two continents ago in another lifetime, I was in Iraq meeting with the pastors of the Kurdzman Church discussing with them and 4 representatives from Lake Pointe Church what their greatest need was, and how they might help them.
According to the local pastor the greatest need of the church in Northern Iraq is Christian education for the families -- to simply be educated on how to raise their children rightly, to love their wives and husbands as the Bible teaches, and to function as Godly families in a culture that for too long has taught them just the opposite as many cultures do.
Just a few hours later we were sitting down to tea with a representative from the largest Evangelical Protestant church in the Middle East with a master's degree in Biblical counseling and social work. She and her husband discipled many of the leaders of that church and stand as true pillars in Egypt and throughout the Middle East. She was returning to Egypt that evening. Her name was Kathy.
Kathy explained that she would like to return to Iraq in a few months working with WO to organize a seminar for the social workers in the government run orphanages throughout Kurdistan. Teaching them Biblical principles of counseling that would touch the lives of the workers and the orphans already in their care.
Fast forward to yesterday, where in another quirk of God's timing, Kathy shared her same vision with Paul, Mike and Scott in her home church in Cairo. As we began talking, we realized how we could not only teach and train the social workers but also provide the church with the training that it was longing for.
Ultimately, we would love to see the churches in Northern Iraq begin teaching and counseling the orphans in the government run orphanages as well as those they've 'adopted' into their care. However, in the writing of this, we're dealing with a church made up largely of first generation believers just beginning to create a Christ-like culture in the midst of their hostile surroundings.
Turns out, Kathy's primary specialty is in inner healing, a step we must all go through before we can become the tools that God wants us to be - extending a hand to the hurting around us.
Pray with us as we make plans for a fall seminar for the church, followed closely by a training workshop for the directors and workers in the government orphanages from 5 major cities in Northern Iraq. Our plate here at World Orphans-Iraq is suddenly becoming full. Praise the Lord for all the work He is doing in and through us.
Wht a wonderful opportunity God has placed before you. My prayers are with you.
Posted by: Cheryl Read | May 14, 2009 at 05:25 AM
I have to say I am very overwhelmed (in a good way) after reading this and your 3 "answer to prayer posts". I won't get started here on all that I am thinking...but thank you for sharing about your time through your pictures and words. I'm excited about what the Lord has in store
Posted by: Kate Borders | May 14, 2009 at 10:07 AM