Great News from Iraq: A Pictorial Update

Well, the day has finally arrived when we can share an update about the food distribution on the ground in northern Iraq! Outreach focused on the communities of Baharka, Ankawa, and Erbil (shown with yellow star on map). World Help has been our partner in this outreach, as they have indigenous leadership on the ground who provided oversight of the distribution to the neediest families targeted by ISIS.

Here’s the bottom line and then we’ll share some more details and pictures: 4,583 lives have been impacted because of your gracious giving and packing. We give glory to God for this large number and pray that the food has an impact for eternity in the lives of those who received it.

Hundreds of concerned individuals like you (Christians and non-Christians alike) gave, and thousands more volunteered to get the first shipment of food ready. The first container left our headquarters on May 11th, began a 5,000 nautical mile journey on the 18th from Norfolk, Virginia to Mersin, Turkey, and was driven into Iraq (avoiding Syria!) on June 6th. Distribution was just completed in the last month.

Please keep in mind that the situation on the ground in northern Iraq continues to be very unstable, so pictures and reports have had to be taken discreetly. Also, our meals were distributed in packet form, not made into hot meals in public places. This is a good opportunity to remind ourselves of why we do this – to glorify God and help the persecuted. Our reward is ultimately in heaven. Still, it is nice to be encouraged by any updates.

“It was very important for our community to receive this kind of food, it help a lot of families especially those who can’t find a job to support themselves. We thank our brothers and sisters in USA for thinking about us.”
Father B, 52
Erbil, Iraq

The beans and rice meal packets were included with other food and hygiene necessities and distributed via World Help’s reliable network on the ground. We also learned that the food made headlines in the Kurdistan region because food has become scarce there after the Iraqi government cut off funding to this region and crippled the economy. Nearly 10,000 packets were given to feed patients at the overwhelmed hospital.

“We are thanking everyone who participated in sending this food to our hospital. It has been great for the patients, as it has provided the nourishment needed, improving strength for the body and for the soul.”
Najat H, 65
Shaklawa Hospital

Let me close for now by thanking you for helping in this ongoing effort. The situation in Iraq has actually gotten worse; ISIS has not been weakened, and people are in great need, so we want to continue helping in Jesus’ name. Our second container just left Monday morning of this week, and we are making plans to send a third in the first quarter of 2016. You can donate $10 or more to this worthy endeavor by clicking here, and we will have volunteers pack the food you sponsor. Or you can contact us about having a Packathon specifically for this cause. God bless you.

Serving with you,

 
 
 
Joseph Williams, CEO