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.
After interviewing Orthodox, Chaldean Catholic and Protestant leaders for four days, it was time to gather our notes and make recommendations.
Dr. Terry Law and I drafted seven articles focused on making Iraqi Kurdistan a safe haven for Christians. After an American constitutional expert signed off on the document, we submitted it. The Kurds’ response was wonderful. “We will do all this and more,” said the senior government official with a smile.
Last month that official asked us to return. It’s time to compose their new Constitution and they want our help in implementing the articles composed last year. I’m ready.
Will you send me back to Iraq?
Even Washington is taking notice, despite the imminent midterm elections. A few days ago, Dr. Law met with Vice President Pence about this mission. Since then we conference-called with a leading Congressman who wants to help. Please pray. Our goal is a particular letter of endorsement. (You’re welcome to read between the lines.) Such a letter would ease the process for the Kurds should Iran, Syria or some other neighbor object to this historic first.
Whether summoned to D.C. or heading off to Iraqi Kurdistan, I have to be ready to travel at a moment’s notice. But the costs of last-minute travel to Iraq are high.
Think about it:
How often do you and I have an opportunity to make a historic impact on the Middle East?
For 1,400 years Christians have suffered persecution throughout the Islamic world. Now, here they stand—your family in Christ, with real freedom of worship at their fingertips.
Thirty-one years ago a pastor and complete stranger prophesied to me. “I see you advising a Muslim government someday,” he said. I thought it absurd and put it out of mind for 30 years. Then last year “someday” came. Now it’s time to complete what last year’s mission started.
Will you send me back to Iraq? Regardless of whatever lies ahead, I’m ready to go.
Here am I. Send me.
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Soli Deo Gloria!