Background

I first encountered God’s heart for the nations at 11, visiting an underground house church in East Asia. Since then, God has expanded my heart for unreached nations, especially in the Middle East. My dream is to see revival and reformation in dark places, anchored by prayer, worship, and partnerships with strong local disciples. My passion is justice for the least of these through sustainable development. To that end, I’ve spent the past eight years in the education and social development sectors in the government – on the ground, and in policy and strategy roles. I’ve also wound up in local prayer movements and various equipping work with young people. I’m currently on a journey discovering what shape the next season of my life will take and clarifying my role.

The Refugee Crisis

God’s call to His people has always been straightforward and His target group clear – to love Him and others; to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly; to care for the orphan, the widow, the poor, and the alien; to make disciples of all nations. We don’t have to look far to heed His call. Today, 70.8 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide by cycles of war, persecution, and injustice. Most have lost family, livelihood, homes and/or security. Many have yet to know God’s love and Good News. 

I will be spending three months (as a start) with one such community in Northern Iraq that was displaced by a brutal genocide against the people group. My time there will be focused on:

• testing out sustainable and innovative solutions to uplift the community, in partnership with the displaced people, locals, and long-term workers; and
• strengthening support for local believers and long-term workers based there.

Through this, I hope to translate God’s love and Good News into words and tangible action for the displaced community and locals, that will last beyond my time there. I also hope to develop a proof-of-concept that can be extended to other displaced communities in future.

Target Amount

$9,000 to cover the trip from February to May 2020, including all flights, living expenses (e.g. room and board, local transport, communications), visa, insurance, programmes/outreach.