Thank you for responding to our YouTube appeal for Ukraine Rapid Relief by jamesgilbert.org. Here are six ways you can contribute to our ongoing relief efforts to war-weary Ukrainian citizens:
Secure credit cardhere. INSTANT AUTO-RECEIPT FOR TAX DEDUCTION!Please consider covering the credit card processing fee.
Your Zelle account to our Bank of America Zelle ID is: office@jamesgilbert.org. (More info on Zelle here.)
Checkpayable to Jim Gilbert Ministries to PO Box 141928, Gainesville FL 32614. Write the word UKRAINE on the memo line.
Remember to include your email or physical address in order to receive a receipt for tax-deductible giving. This is important for anyone wanting to keep Uncle Sam from wasting more money. We won’t add you to yet another list!
Thank you for your interest, trust, and prayers, as together we help relieve the suffering of these Ukrainian people.
I’m headed to Poland and Ukraine for 3 weeks, my 3rd mission in 13 months. Our targets: 1) continue helping Ukrainian widows and orphans; 2) aid Kherson flood victims of Putin’s dam bombing; 3) deliver relief where supply lines are cut off; 4) supply funds for life-saving bandages that our close contacts are delivering to wounded Ukrainian civilians, especially husbands and fathers trying to save their homes. Casualties can drop by 70% with proper bandages and tourniquets; 5) minister in 5 Polish cities, conducting worship symposiums and aiding more refugees.
We American Christians must remain tenderhearted. I’m still awed by what happened a year ago in Poland when our daughter Lexi and I met smiling, hopeful 5-year-old Ukrainian kids who didn’t know that their daddies, who had stayed home to fight, were dead. We had brought them food and blankets, so they made beautiful, personalized cards to thank us, and gave us big hugs because our help changed their lives. But Lexi’s life was changed too, by a hug from one innocent, utterly vulnerable little girl. She still often tells people about it if they ask her about Ukraine.
Lexi and I will never unsee those little ones’ innocent faces. Never. So I’m asking you: On October 5th, please send me back to Poland and UKRAINE.Join us here to change lives there. Here’s how:
Donate via Zelle, a no–fee, instant, 100% secure money transfer from any participating bank to our ministry account. Our Bank of America Zelle ID is also our email: office@jamesgilbert.org. (More on Zelle here.) NOTE: To receive a tax receipt, you MUST send an email address to us. We won’t add you to more lists.
Donate securely on this page via credit card. Just click here. You’ll receive an automated receipt for tax-deductible giving. Please consider covering the credit card processing fee.
Give via Apple Pay (352-316-1212); Venmo (james@jamesgilbert.org); or PayPal(@jimgilbertministries).
Mail your checkpayable to Jim Gilbert Ministries to PO Box 141928, Gainesville FL 32614. Write the word UKRAINE on the memo line.
You know Dolly and me.We’ll do as much as you make possible. My heart is full. Let’s make it my pockets too. I promise to empty them wisely.
(Wanna see Poland & Ukraine for yourself? Click the video below.)
Welcome to the Ukraine Rapid Relief Fund and jamesgilbert.org. We asked you to give in 2022! You gave $130,397 towards Ukraine relief, and we actually SENT $133,000, directly into Ukraine and to refugee efforts in Poland. But Putin’s monstrous war isn’t over, as he bombs not just military targets, but homes, schools—anywhere he can kill innocents. Just yesterday, as I write, air raid sirens sounded over the entire nation. So, WE MUST KEEP FIGHTING BACK, not with bombs, but with life-saving aid sent in Jesus’ name. Look, the worst thing now would be to let compassion fatigue overtake us.
I leave for both Ukraine and Poland in October, and as I said in my most recent Facebook video, this year we’re targeting three relief ministries in particular. All three get relief to areas hardly reached by others. Find out more by clicking the photo below. Then come back here.
For now, let me be bold one more time: No tipping. No “latte” money. Please give AGAIN! Look, when I was in Poland last September, I met smiling 5-year old kids who don’t know that their daddies, who stayed behind to fight, are dead. No more hugs and nightly tuck-ins. They’re gone. Forever. So you can see why I’m saying once again that You and I need to act now!
There are four secure ways you can give, listed in order of efficiency. NOTE: If giving via Zelle, you MUST send your email address to office@jamesgilbert.org in order to receive a receipt for tax-deductible contribution.
Donate via Zelle, a no–fee, immediate, 100% secure money transfer from your participating bank to our ministry’s Bank of America account. Check your online banking page to see if yours is one of the rapidly growing number of banks using Zelle. (You may need to type the word Zelle in your bank’s search box.) Our Bank of America Zelle ID is 352-316-1212. Click here for more Zelle info: https://www.zellepay.com/how-it-works
Donate securely via credit card by clicking the blue Contribute button on the upper right of this page. (On a smartphone, it’s in the upper-right drop-down menu.) You will receive an immediate receipt for your tax-deductible donation via email. Please consider covering the credit card processing fee.
Mail a check payable to Jim Gilbert Ministries to our office at PO Box 141928, Gainesville FL 32614. Write the word UKRAINE on the memo line.
Give via an app like Apple Pay, Venmo or PayPal. (NOTE: The Cash app has changed their non-profit rules, so we request that you avoid that app.)
Ukrainian lives hang in the balance and YOU AND I need to act now. Thank you.
apologize in advance for being cryptic with this post. On the one hand, I am part of a small team facing yet another historic opportunity—even as our work on the Kurdish Constitution “safe haven” project continues. However, making this second effort public is not my call. All I can tell you is that it is potentially just as far-reaching as the safe-haven project. Here’s the scoop…
In a few days, immediately following our Living Sound 50th-Anniversary celebration in Oklahoma, I will depart Tulsa for Erbil, Iraq ready to hit the ground running once more.
With the Archbishop of Mosul & Kurdistan. In May I was honored to deliver a significant gift from American Christians to Iraqi Christians who had been made homeless by ISIS.
Always Ready
We have said several times that we must be ready to return to Iraq at any time, and once again that moment has arrived. However, flying overseas on such short notice to work in the halls of government, as well as the circles of influence in which our negotiations will take place, mean that this mission will be more expensive than usual. For that reason, I appeal to you in keeping with Romans 10: Please send me back to Kurdistan!
I also reluctantly mentioned previously that although we were able to conduct a successful mission to Iraq in May, we ourselves were not paid. This ministry has been our lives for half a century. We’ve operated modestly, avoided frequent appeals, and given every effort our all.
Now, as we face our greatest opportunity in a half century, we truly need increased support. Your ongoing support of Jim Gilbert Ministries holds the promise of great kingdom impact for the future of Iraqi Kurdistan, and by extension the entire Middle East.
Additionally, ten days after I return home, I must leave again for ministry in Trinidad. After the Trinidad invitation came several months ago, that nation began burning in my heart for reasons I don’t yet understand. But I’m eager to find out!
To give, just click the blue box in the top right corner and please consider partnering with us on a monthly basis. Also, hundreds of banks now use Zelle for easy, instant fund transfers. Please email us at james@jamesgilbert.org for details
As our previous eNews made clear, Iraq’s Kurds held elections in September 2018 and it’s taken since then to form a coalition government with power-sharing amongst two major parties and three minor ones. All we knew at flight time was that our friend, the Prime Minister, was becoming the new President (See photo below) and being replaced as PM by his cousin, whom we did not know.
With Kurdish President Barzani (Center)
We also didn’t know that our highest government contact in Kurdistan thought we had abandoned our mission since the US State Department had issued a red do-not-travel warning to Erbil, our very destination. Hence, we arrived to discover no appointments and no accommodations. Not only that, but the new President was out of the country.
But, the Bible says “the heart of the king is in God’s hands,” so we chose to believe for the best anyway, which was exactly what we got.
First, we needed to meet the new Prime Minister-designate but had no idea how to do so. Then one of our party, after a television news interview, told a producer about our wish, only to discover that the producer was also a public relations officer with the new PM! One day later, we were sitting in the lavish headquarters of the new Prime Minister-to-be, hearing him reaffirm his commitment to writing true religious freedom into the Kurdistan Region’s new Constitution.
One down—one to go, but as far as we knew the incoming President was still out of the country. Now it was Monday evening and our window for a meeting was Tuesday. Finally, the call came during dinner. Incoming President Barzani had arrived home and immediately agreed to meet us the next morning at 10 am!
The next day, my mentor, Dr. Terry Law, sat next to his Excellency in the chair of honor, and once again broached the subject of the Kurds’ new Constitution, mentioning that Vice President Pence knows of the project and has expressed his enthusiasm to Terry face-to-face.
Then it was time to introduce an initiative I don’t yet have clearance to talk about, and one of the most gratifying moments of my life took place. “I want to talk with Vice President Pence about this as well,” Terry began, but our host held out a hand to stop him in mid-sentence.
“That’s fine if you want to do so,” the new President said, “but if Dr. Terry Law says it’s good then it’s done!” And just like that, a new plan took a giant first step forward.
Finally, please accept our deepest thanks for your generosity in sending me on this wonderful mission to Iraq. But, as can happen following an exciting project, June was our leanest month financially in several years. Bills were paid but we were not.
With upcoming missions to Trinidad and a return to Iraq that could take place almost anytime, we are asking you to step beyond designated projects and become a monthly partner with Jim Gilbert Ministries. In all honesty, our work (with more in the wings) cannot continue without regular support.
Please pause, pray, and then click the big blue button on the top right. And please, seriously consider making it a recurring donation. Iraqi Kurdistan really is the most promising place in the Muslim World for the gospel in 1,400 years.
The semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq has finally formed their coalition government, paving the way for Dr. Terry Law and me to return and resume our input for making the region a true safe haven for Christians and other religious minorities.
As you read this, I’m flying from Orlando through Dubai, and onward to a Saturday-afternoon landing in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. Yes, on Wednesday the State Department warned Americans to avoid Erbil and announced the evacuation of all non-essential personnel from the consulate there. However, yesterday one of our party of five (who lives in D.C.) spoke with a highly-placed friend in the State Department and he was privately assured that we’re good to go.
What a way to celebrate 50 years in ministry!
Kurdish troops guarding us during 2017 ambush by Iranian militia
This is great news because our opportunities in Kurdistan have suddenly grown, especially with regard to future influence.
As you read this, I’m flying from Orlando through Dubai, and onward to a Saturday-afternoon landing in Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq. Yes, on Wednesday the State Department warned Americans to avoid Erbil and announced the evacuation of all non-essential personnel from the consulate there. However, yesterday one of our party of five (who lives in D.C.) spoke with a highly-placed friend in the State Department and he was privately assured that we’re good to go
This is great news because our opportunities in Kurdistan have suddenly grown, especially with regard to future influence.
Besides meeting with government officials and the Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Mosul, we quite likely will meet with the Kurdish Prime Minister (who will soon become President) as well as the incoming Prime Minister, to discuss implementing articles of true religious freedom in the Kurdistan Region’s upcoming new constitution.
Please pray not only for our protection but also that these two appointments are confirmed by the time I land. Thanks to your generosity in our recent appeal, we’ll be able to significantly invest in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Kurdistan. We’re also conducting this mission jointly with historian and best-selling author Stephen Mansfield (The Faith of George W. Bush and many others). In that regard, there’s an additional aspect of this mission that holds tremendous potential for the future. Sadly, we’re not yet free to share any details, but I want you to know that…
Your ongoing support of this mission holds the promise of great Gospel impact for the future, not merely in Kurdistan, but for the entire Middle East. Thank you!
This ministry has been our lives for five decades. We’ve operated modestly and given every effort our all, but aswe face our greatest opportunity in 50 years, we need increased ongoing support.
As your heart and conscience dictate, please click the blue contribute button in the top right corner. We’re still running the race! Please consider making a regular monthly commitment.
The Kurds asked us to help write true religious liberty into their new constitution
Last year the government of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region asked for our help. Please interview Christian leaders, they requested. What religious rights would they want to be specified in a new Kurdish Constitution? Would we then write recommendations spelling out these rights?
Proud to be named honorary Peshmerga
I landed in Erbil on August 20, 2017. The very next day an armed Iranian militia—yes, Iranian—ambushed and detained our team near Mosul. For the next hour, some 100 militants surrounded us with AK-47 rifles, shouting and firing dozens of rounds into the air. We tried to turn around, but machine guns and a huge rocket launcher blocked us in. Thank the Lord, Iraq’s Prime Minister himself intervened and effected our release.
Wherein we helped make history after we almost died
Last month when Terry Law invited me to join his delegation to Kurdistan, northern Iraq, (Read Part I here.) I leapt at the opportunity. The carrot? The Kurds are preparing to declare their independence from Iraq—now Iran’s puppet—and asked for our help in guaranteeing true religious freedom for Christians and other religious minorities in their prospective new constitution. What Muslim government has ever asked Christians for help in writing a constitution? What majority Islamic nation has ever wanted to establish a true safe haven for Christians and other religious minorities? The answer, until now: Zero.
The Kurds are generally Sunni Muslims, but unlike most Sunnis they are not Arabs. “Kurd first, Sunni second,” they say. A remarkable people, they are descended from the ancient Medes, and like their famed king Cyrus (see Isaiah 45), they have historically looked kindly on Israel. Over the past hundred years, they have also been unfailingly pro-America, despite our nation’s betrayals of their trust, both after World War I and the first Gulf War.
He grabbed at a soldier, and suddenly the whole world shifted into high gear
I was in Iraq for eight remarkable days last month, and in Part II of this report I’ll tell you how I was privileged to help make Middle-East history. But there was one day, August 21, 2017, our second day on the job, that has since taken on a life of its own. In fact, it was a drama that nearly took several of our lives. And for that reason, it forms a fiery preamble to our historic mission.
We were in Kurdistan, Iraq’s largely autonomous northern province, at the invitation of the regional government. Their Interior Minister/Defense Minister had invited us to interview Christian leaders in Kurdistan and the adjoining Nineveh Plain, and based upon those leaders’ desires, to help the Kurdish government compose clear constitutional guarantees and protections for Christians and other religious minorities, should Kurdistan declare independence from Iraq.
We'll also travel to Mosul, freed from ISIS mere weeks ago
You’ve probably seen the news that Mosul, Iraq (aka Nineveh) has finally been liberated from ISIS. Well, here’s more news: I’ll be on the ground in Mosul in just a few days!
Here’s what’s happening:
Last week, Dr. Terry Law, my Unmasking ISIS co-author, asked me to return to Iraq’s Kurdistan Region with him from August 18-26. The Kurds are set to hold a September referendum on independence, and passage is a sure thing. As the only Muslim people in the entire Middle East who don’t persecute Christians, the Kurds want their new nation to guarantee religious freedom for Christians and other religious minorities in their pending new constitution.
Recently, their Defense Minister called to ask Terry to gather the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant leaders of Kurdistan, Mosul and the Nineveh Plains, to specify what protections they would want written into a new Kurdish Constitution. An independent Kurdistan would become a safe haven for non-Muslims (who include 10 million Orthodox Christians).
This would be an historic first in 1,400 years of Islam!
