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Rebuild Homes and Lives in Iraq Supporting Mike’s Iraq Marathon

The Iraq Marathon Fundraiser Quick Snapshot

Originally shared on www.mikegingerich.com.

iGive Global founder Mike Gingerich is running a marathon, 26.2 miles, in a race in Iraq this October
With iGive Global we are raising funds for families that had their homes destroyed by ISIS in the greater Mosul area of northern Iraq
It takes about $2800 to repair a home and my goal is to rebuild at least 2 homes: $5600
Mike was in Iraq in 2016 and served families then that had been displaced and were homeless from fleeing ISIS. This is a return trip to visit them, encourage them, and run the marathon for them!
The marathon (26.2 miles) is a international event to promote goodwill and peace in the region among people of different cultures, tribes, religions, and nationalities.
You can give towards my Iraq Race Fundraiser on the Iraq Race donation page of iGive Global by clicking the button below.
We may not be able to help everyone, but we can help more than one! Will you join me?
Follow #IraqRace on Instagram and Twitter for updates!

Mike’s Marathon Cause: The #IraqRace Video Overview

The Iraq Backstory

Mike traveled to Iraq in 2016 for the first time out of a mission to help. He had read reports of over 100,000 people needing to flee Mosul and the surrounding area where ISIS overtook the city. These families, Muslims and Christians, who had lived together peacefully for decades, were forced to leave everything they had and flee with the threats to their lives being real and immediate. Many had 24 hours or less to get out.

They left everything behind. Initially moved to tent camps, we helped families get into apartments in Erbil and supplied them with needed items on the trip I was part of.

Now, with the liberation of Mosul in 2017 by Iraq, many can go back to their homes but the devastation from ISIS and the urban warfare to take the city back is massive.

From Angelina Jolie’s June 2018 visit to Mosul as a UNHCR volunteer, it was reported by the organization that:

“At least 40,000 homes need to be restored or rebuilt. Over 2 million people have been displaced and 3.8 million are counted as returnees.”

Video of Iraqi Homes Being Rebuilt

The Iraq Race: Behind the Motivation

Via Mike:

“I like to compete. I like to add value to others. I’ve been bringing the two together in various ways to raise funds for organizations I believe in over the past 3 years. This will be my biggest “add value” yet!

In 2017 while reading some news updates about things in northern Iraq I came upon information about the Erbil International Marathon. The marathon has a wonderful history and story of being an international event to promote “love, peace and non-violence in Iraq.” The marathon was not held in 2017 due to some unrest in the region and is now back on for 2018 and I plan to be there to participate!

For me it’s a physical challenge taking on 26.2 miles, a opportunity to return to visit those I know in Iraq, a way to bond with other runners and be part of a marathon cause I can support, and a visible event to focus on to bringing awareness and funding to families in great need in the region who want to go back to their homes.

I want to help, and you can join me in making this a reality!

I’m aiming to raise funds to repair at least 2 homes…in reality I’d love to blow that goal out of the water and do much more! Together we can.

There are opportunities to give as well as opportunities for businesses to sponsor me and support the cause. Learn more >

Will you join me?”

Stay Up-to-Date Via Email

I’ll be sharing news about my training, fundraising and more in the days ahead of the trip. As well, if you join you’ll get emailed details on how things went, photos, videos, and stories from my time there. Sign-up below!

Rebuilding Homes and Lives in Iraq

By igiveadmin Leave a Comment

The opportunity and need is before us! We can rebuild homes and lives in Iraq since ISIS has been pushed out.

photo credit: Samaritan’s Purse

After Qaraqosh, a largely Christian populated town in Iraq outside of Mosul, was captured in 2014 by ISIS, they drove out the believers, destroyed the churches, and gutted or destroyed hundreds of homes. Now that Iraqi forces have liberated Qaraqosh and Mosul from the grip of ISIS, families are eager to return to their homes and to rebuild their lives. This is a huge challenge for many who lost everything when they have to flee.

Families are now seeking to return but their homes are rubble. They need our help to repair damage, replace doors, windows, and fixtures, and paint over ISIS graffiti as they reclaim their town. Through your gifts this past year we have been able to raise funds to restore one home and see one family be able to move back to their home and restart their lives!

$2800 rebuilt one home! Thanks for your giving to iGive Global in 2017!

You can continue to support the work of rebuilding lives and giving hope to those with great potential but limited resources in difficult spots in the world through ongoing giving. Can we restore another home!

Consider a donation as the end of the year comes!

While Mike has not been able to return to Erbil the fall of 2017 as was planned due to the tensions between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government, fortunately the work on the ground through people present has been able to continue.

Pray for open doors of travel to the region in 2018, and for resources to restore more families to their homes once again.

August Challenge for Iraq – 31 give $31 for the 31 miler

By igiveadmin 9 Comments

It’s August and that means a chance for me, Mike, to map out a personal challenge that can benefit our mission at iGive Global.

This time it’s me on a bike… going farther than I’ve ever gone. I’m racing a 31 miler on my birthday, August 20, and want to raise funds for my upcoming trip back to Iraq later this fall. First, more on the what, and then details on the why.

The Covered Bridge Classic event is August 20 and if you followed me since last year you know I like to try and do something unique for my birthday that adds value to others while accomplishing a personal challenge. Last year I participated in a triathlon and in fact it was my 3rd race in 3 weeks! This year I want to continue in that same manner and I spotted a bike event that will push me beyond where I’ve been before…my longest bike to date is 24 miles.

August Challenge for Iraq…31 give $31 by August 20

I’d like to invite readers to join in and support me by giving $31 to iGive Global by August 20. Of course you can give more or less, as all gifts towards the work in Iraq is valued! The aim here is to have 31 people give at least $31 by August 20 (with a goal of a bit more than that, $1000.)

You can give here:

Why go back to Iraq?

As I noted, I’m planning a return trip to Iraq later this fall to reconnect with those I met last year and to extend our work. I loved the people I met and felt like the timing was simply perfect for building relationship bridges and adding value/sharing hope in the midst of their difficulties.

If you’ve been following the news you know that Iraqi troops have been on a mission for over 6 months to free Mosul from ISIS control. That has largely happened but in the midst it creates more humanitarian crisis and many families fled the city during the fighting as soon as they possibly had a way out and the infrastructure of Mosul was crushed in the military operations and suicide bombings.

All that means there is more to do than ever before to help Muslim and Christian families that have been displaced by all of this. Many lost everything and endured some horrible years under ISIS rule in the city. There have been hundreds of thousands impacted and it’s an opportunity to share with them all that they matter and that their is a a God who loves them and a Savior Jesus Christ who died for them, and who rose again.

So I want to go back. Will you help me reach out and extend love to these men, women, and children who have lost so much, who are disoriented, searching, asking questions, and seeking a next step?

Your $31 can help!

Help me by being one of the 31 to give $31+! The goal is $1000.

Follow this post by commenting below in the Comments area to get updates via email that I post letting you know where we are at in the process!

Supporting Refugees with Run for Refugees 1300

By igiveadmin 4 Comments

“Go and do likewise.”

A simple statement but with significant and powerful implications. That’s where the idea of “Run for Refugees” comes from.

The statement comes from Jesus’ words in Luke 10:37 known most commonly as the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It’s a statement that comes at the end of a story Jesus shares when asked to respond to who a “neighbor” is, in the midst of a discussion of living out the verses “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27). The story dives deep into cultural and national divisions, and demonstrates God’s heart that we need to transcend these and that there be no division or walls created by humankind that separate.

It is with that same mindset that I want to reach out to others with great potential and in great need to lend a neighborly hand. That’s why I created iGive Global, and that’s the aim of this non-profit ministry…To be that helping hand to those going through incredibly difficult times and with little resources, but who have such great potential and open hearts to receive.

Firsthand Story of Refugee Support in Atlanta Area

My 17 year old daughter, Karisa, is currently in a cross cultural and mission training program in the greater Atlanta area. Just this past month she’s been able to sit in the homes of refugees from Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and more to hear their stories and learn about their hard efforts to make a new life in the U.S.

One family has been separated for over 2 years. The wife and children were able to come to the U.S. and the father was not approved immediately. He now has a visa to come and was waiting on his passport with hopes to leave shortly but is now experiencing the 90 day delay as many other refugees are as well. The mother works full-time, attends language school, and cares for the children on a small wage. Life is not easy.

Photo by Jo F. Identities covered for privacy. Picture from a dinner Karisa attended with resettled family

Without looking to far, there are refugees in our community and large groups in countries like Germany that have taken in hundreds of thousands of those displaced by war, civil unrest, and terrorism. They are our neighbors and they need a hand. They are from Syria, Iraq, Libya, the Congo, and more. They are from different nations, cultures, and at times religions, but as Jesus says, “go and do likewise.”

Where possible, how can we help our neighbors?

Run for Refugees 1300

That’s where my next fundraiser comes from. I want to follow-up on what my daughter has been doing and the connections we’ve developed in Atlanta and Germany, and help raise funds for refugees trying to start over in these areas.

On Saturday, February 11, I’ll be running my first Half Marathon (13.1 miles).

It’s part of a drive south to pickup Karisa from her training in Atlanta and then swinging on over to Hilton Head Island for the run. I’ve trained in rain, snow, cold, and all of those at once but that is nothing compared to the trials some of the refugee families have been going through!

I decided to try and make my run count for more than a personal accomplishment. I’ve been inspired and motivated by the stories my daughter has shared of the efforts by refugees to “make a go of it” in the U.S. Some of them are professional with advanced degrees, now working in factories third shift and driving truck other shifts to try and make ends meet. They are trying to learn English and get their children adjusted in school while sometimes waiting and working to try and get the rest of the their family back together across nations.

They have great potential but limited resources! They are our neighbors!

Will you sponsor me in my run and my goal to raise $1300 through my 13.1 mile half-marathon goal?

You can donate on iGive Global via the Donate page >

100% of the donations will go to help those refugees and works serving them that we have contact with in Atlanta and Germany.

This is my dream:

To complete a half marathon for the first time.
To do it in under 2:00 hours (My times show I’ll be close!)
And to raise $100 for each mile I cover! $1300 total.

Can you help me and in so doing, help our new neighbors that have come in from many other nations? Let’s make them feel welcome and give them than needed hand!

I’ll keep you posted via Facebook on updates and my race.

Once again, it’s February 11 so please act now to help support me in this effort! Will you cover a mile?

P.S. Another simple way to support the work of iGive Global is through your Amazon.com purchases. iGive Global is a registered and selectable charity in Amazon.

By simply doing your shopping on Amazon at smile.amazon.com (same site, just adds “smile” to track purchase amounts), Amazon will donate a small percentage of every purchase to iGive Global.

It’s all anonymous. We don’t know who gives or how much they purchased on Amazon, we just get a donation sum each month from those that shopped at smile.amazon.com and who select iGive Global as their charity of choice!

Please set your Amazon bookmark to https://smile.amazon.com.

Add Value, Be Uncommon – Life Wisdom in a Journal that Supports iGive Global

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Add value. Be uncommon.

Intriguing terms, but what do they mean in reality?

It’s that very question that I wanted to flush out in more practical detail which prompted me to write a personal reflection journal with guided insights that define and expand on what it means to live a life that adds value and is uncommon.

Written as a gift to my children, this journal lays out wisdom for life with key topics and then open reflection pages for journaling. Think of it as a guided journal. Each chapter in the journal offers a thought to help encourage you to live a life that adds value and is uncommon.

This theme of “Adding Value” and “Being Uncommon” flows with the mission of iGive Global where we want to add value and we do this in less common ways by reaching out to those globally who are in tough places and have less resources but great potential. They need someone to give them a “lift” and to add value to them.

Add Value. Be Uncommon. Overview:

The journal has value for anyone seeking to live a life of value and who wants to live beyond mediocrity by taking time to journal and reflect on their life. Putting your thoughts down in written form, via sketches, or even drawings is a key way to help you integrate and process your thoughts and experiences.

Be inspired, be encouraged, and capture your thoughts and reflections to help you grasp what is truly important in life and how you can best focus your daily efforts and attitude.

60% of the proceeds from each “Add Value. Be Uncommon.” journal purchase will go to iGive Global, which seeks to empower those with great potential but limited resources around the world in places of great need.

If you want to sharpen your life and have some guided thoughts to reflect on, this journal is for you. This is one way I add value. I’m wanting to multiply the impact and help others add value.

Learn more or buy your copy at the button below.

450 for my 45th Update – Good People Rising in Iraq

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I turn 45 on August 20 and I’ve decided to do a little something different this year.

No gifts for me. I’m trying to raise funds for some wonderful people I’m pleased to call friends in Iraq. It’s my $450 for my 45th goal.

Back in January of 2016 I had the privilege of traveling into Iraq in the northern Kurdish region.

The KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government) area of northern Iraq is a unique place within Iraq. Situated just to the east of the areas that ISIS controls yet (including Sinjar, Mosul, Qaraqosh, and more), Kurdistan has absorbed since 2014 over 100,000 IDP’s (Individually Displaced Persons / internal refugees) that have had to flee their homes when ISIS came into those regions.

What’s the Situation in Erbil, Iraq

Thousands of displaced people who fled ISIS are being cared for and their needs provided for in Erbil, Duhok, and surrounding regions
Churches like the Christian & Mission Alliance Church of Erbil are mobilizing support and distributing supplies from global organizations
Families and individuals who fled Mosul, Sinjar, and Qaraqosh are finding hope and renewed life in Christ
God is creating a revived missionary movement among Jesus followers who fled and are in Kurdistan trying to discern where they go to next
Thousands are being discipled and equipped while living in Kurdistan who will ultimately be that mission force going out across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond as they find new homes and places to settle in
God used the ISIS crisis in many lives to sharpen the faith and alter the calling of many into more of His ministry in the region
Those who have been displaced are finding hope as they serve others

Case in Point: My Friend Saad

One of my favorite things about visiting was hearing people’s stories.

It was both a joy and also painful to hear what they have endured.

My heart hurt and I wept as I heard stories of horrible decisions needing to be made about fleeing. They had to immediately drop and leave behind everything, including businesses, jobs, bank accounts, possessions, homes and sometimes less than 60 minutes to find family and flee with 10-12 people in a car before ISIS came into their community.

I had the opportunity to hear one story from my friend Saad that I can share with you.

Saad is a young man from Sinjar who was in graduate school in Sinjar. He was in the molecular biology field and had hopes of being a university professor. His family and their community knew that ISIS was getting close but yet they held out hope that they would be able to remain. One morning, however, a neighbor knocked frantically and told them that they must flee as ISIS was coming in now and that they were killing those who would not submit to their form of Islam.

Saad, his parents, brothers, and the rest of their family had 30 minutes to gather, load into a car altogether and flee. He’s never been back.

Listen to Saad tell his story:

The amazing part of the story is not just the escape, it’s that Saad is not angry.

He’s not, and in fact he is full of joy! It’s a joy that comes from Jesus and is not human-made.

Firsthand account of my new friend Saad and his family who had to flee Sinjar in Iraq when ISIS came in. They had about 30 minutes notice. This was taped in Erbil, Iraq.

Saad was a Christian before all this occurred but was on his own path of professional development to be a professor. Since leaving everything and needing to flee he has been changed.

In Erbil, under the discipleship of the Erbil CMA church he has felt a clear leading to work in ministry. He wants to attend seminary and study theology with hopes of becoming a pastor.

Right now he is serving. He coordinates humanitarian aid from agencies through the church to IDP’s in great need across Kurdistan. While I was there, I had the joy of accompanying his team from the church to give out heaters to a community in the mountains north and just a little east of Mosul.

Saad is a story of the hope of Christ overcoming the evil of ISIS. He has a life calling clear and he is serving even now in any way he can.

Saad coordinating distribution of the heaters

You can Help!

I’m raising all I can in my $450 for my 45th drive to help them out. If you want to stay with my 45 theme you can give $45 or even $4.50! As of writing this I’m over the $400 mark and heading towards the goal with a couple days left yet.

Want to celebrate my 45th by helping me help some great people? Consider a gift.

Region Being Transformed

Erbil is a city on the move! Erbil was able to bring in hundreds of thousands of displaced people and continue to provide services and expand as city.

Everywhere you looked you saw buildings going up, highways being built, on and off ramps being added to the interstate highway system and new communities under development. The capital of Kurdistan, Erbil, is a stable and rapidly growing city of well over 1 million people. It has absorbed so many people from those fleeing ISIS controlled areas and also those fleeing the dangers of Baghdad. It’s a tremendous mix of “old” and “new” coming together with the ancient Citadel being the foundation of “old” and new western style malls and stores being the “new” that is coming in.

Here’s some pictures of the building and infrastructure in Erbil.

Scaffolding – Climb at your own risk! Erbil, Iraq

Many, many of these new buildings in process!

Spices in the Citadel, Erbil, Iraq

The historic Citadel in Erbil

What stands out to me is that Erbil is in place just for “such a time as this.” It’s a haven and safe place where many displaced persons and families are finding new life. With ministry happening like I saw through the Erbil CMA church and their body, people are being cared for and helped. With no regard for whether those in need are Christian, Muslim, or other, the church is being the hands and feet of Jesus to provide for physical needs of food and shelter as the ministry agent of many relief organizations. What we are giving through supporting the Grace4Iraq work of Grace Community Church is being used well and with lasting results.

In addition to material support the body of Erbil CMA church is ministering to the heart and soul. They are doing outreach, they are discipling, and they are loving people.

I witnesses time and again great stories of care, and stories of those who were once IDP’s themselves now serving and helping their fellow brothers and sisters. It was powerful.

I say the setting in Erbil is “such a time as this” because many hundreds and thousands of those being cared for and discipled now will ultimately move on. They will get visas to settle in other nations in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. They are a unique missionary force that has been discipled and formed through this difficult time of ISIS and yet have been transformed and are now extending the love of Christ across the region. Amazing!

I’m thrilled to have sat with them, thrilled to call them friends, and thrilled that I have the opportunity to be a small part of their lives.

The ongoing needs are great and ongoing support to help families as they try to find their “what is next” is essential.

You can give through iGive Global and all proceeds will be given to these wonderful resources making a difference in the lives of so many in need. Give to Help in Iraq >>

By Mike Gingerich

Goal: $450 for Mike’s 45th to Support Iraq Friends

By igiveadmin Leave a Comment

It’s my birthday month and I’ve decided that I want to do something a little different this time around.

I’m going to be 45 on August 20 and I’ve been doing some reflecting.

I’m very likely in the 2nd half of my life now for sure. As I reflect on that, one thing is clear to me…I want to add value and leave a lasting impact.

When I traveled to Iraq in January of 2016 I met some TREMENDOUS people. All of whom were new to Erbil after being forced to flee ISIS in their hometowns. They need ongoing help to live and thrive. These are some of the most incredible people I have ever met! They lost EVERY material possession in most cases, fleeing with what they could stuff in a car with their family as they rushed out to survive. They could easily be depressed or angry at this. However, they are so upbeat and giving, contributing to the needs of others who were displaced already. It’s amazing to me! Those who lost everything, reaching out in whatever way they can to help others! It’s a powerful witness of Christlike love in action.

So I want to help them more. I was there, I got to know them and got to help a little. I want to stay with it and keep helping. I can’t imagine any who I would want to help more than these dear folks who are so full of the joy of the Lord, serving others, and mission minded. They can do so much in their new city and beyond. I want to enable that to keep going.

$450 in Support for my 45th Birthday

I want to raise $450 for my 45th birthday for them.

My deadline is August 20 when I hit the 4-5 marker!

I’m asking those who know me to consider a small gift, something like $4.50 (note the 4-5 association? LOL) or double that and go $9. I’d also love to see a few $45 gifts and of course I’d be ever so grateful for a $450 donation!

There are tremendous stories of men like Saad and Rabee, both of whom had to flee and leave behind professional careers. Each now is playing a crucial role in the support of other displaced Iraqi’s in the Kurdistan region.

You can listen to my interview of Saad here. And read story #2 about Rabee on this page: Good rising from the evil of ISIS.

Mike and Rabee

Consider giving a Donation

Will you consider giving support and helping me exceed $450 by my 45th?

You can donate here.

Thanks for considering and thanks for making my 45th special! Did you catch in the video I’m also celebrating by doing a team triathlon on my birthday, August 20?

I’m jumping into 45+ with gusto!

Add value. Be uncommon. The world needs us to share the love and life of Christ with others.

Good Rising from the Evil of ISIS in Iraq

By igiveadmin 2 Comments

I had the privilege of going to the northern Kurdish area of Iraq in early 2016.

The KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government) area of northern Iraq is a unique and important place in the Middle East. Situated just to the east of the volatile areas that ISIS controls or has recently controlled (including Sinjar, Mosul, Qaraqosh, and more), Kurdistan has both fought back ISIS with their Peshmerga military and they have absorbed hundreds of thousands of IDP’s (Individually Displaced Persons / internal refugees) that have had to flee the cities noted and more when ISIS came into those regions.

My goal here will be to outline the hope, promise, and perspective that I found from my first-hand visit to Erbil and a few surrounding areas in the northern Kurdistan area of Iraq.

For those wanting a quick summary, my main points to communicate to any reader are:

Good Rising from the Evil of ISIS in Iraq

Thousands of IDP’s are being cared for and their needs provided for in Erbil, Duhok, and surrounding regions
Churches like the Christian & Mission Alliance Church of Erbil are mobilizing support and distributing supplies from global organizations
Families and individuals who fled Mosul, Sinjar, and Qaraqosh are finding hope and renewed life in Christ
God is creating a revived missionary movement among Jesus followers who fled and are in Kurdistan trying to discern where they go to next
Thousands are being discipled and equipped while living in Kurdistan who will ultimately be that mission force going out across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond as they find new homes and places to settle in
People cannot simply say “Iraq” in general and apply overarching statements to it. Iraq is a complex place and regions/cities can be so unique and different. Kurdistan is different. It is stable, it is growing. Yes, there is turmoil and tenuous situations in Baghdad, but Erbil is a thriving, developing mega-city that is undergoing tremendous growth while maintaining a peace and stability that is to be commended
God used the ISIS crisis in many lives to sharpen the faith and alter the calling of many into more of His ministry in the region
Those who have been displaced are finding hope as they serve others

For those wanting more detail, read on about my visit.

Story #1 – Fleeing Sinjar and Finding God’s Purpose

One of my favorite things about visiting was hearing people’s stories.

It was both a joy and also painful to hear what they have endured. My heart hurt and I wept as I heard stories of horrible decisions needing to be made about leaving loved ones, and of leaving everything behind. When I mean everything, I mean everything. Leaving businesses, jobs, bank accounts, possessions, and having sometimes less than 60 minutes to find family and flee with up to 12 people in a sedan before ISIS came into their community.

One such story I heard that moved me was from my new friend Saad.

Saad, his parents, brothers, and the rest of their family had 30 minutes to gather, load into a car altogether and flee. He’s never been back.

Listen to Saad tell his story:

The amazing part of the story is not the journey of many hours trying to cross Mt. Sinjar in heavy traffic to make it first to Duhok and then on to Erbil. It’s that Saad is not angry.

He’s not angry, and in fact he is full of joy. It’s a joy that comes from Jesus and is not human-made.

Firsthand account of my new friend Saad and his family who had to flee Sinjar in Iraq when ISIS came in. They had about 30 minutes notice. This is a picture that is not uncommon. He was in grad school at the time. This was taped in Erbil, Iraq.

Posted by Mike Gingerich on Sunday, January 17, 2016

Saad was a Christian before but was on his own path of professional development to be a professor. Since leaving everything and needing to flee he has been changed. In Erbil, under the discipleship of the Erbil CMA church he has felt a clear leading to work in ministry. He wants to attend seminary and study theology with hopes of becoming a pastor.

Saad is a story of the hope of Christ overcoming the evil of ISIS. He has a life calling clear and he is serving even now in any way he can.

Unloading Heaters

Saad coordinating distribution of the heaters

Story #2 – Rabee Finding Joy and Meaning in Christian Service

I met Rabee at the Erbil CMA church. He had come in for a meeting with church leaders and I happened to introduce myself.

Mike and Rabee

As we talked I asked questions and Rabee freely answered. Quickly we went deep as he shared his story with me and it’s a story that is not uncommon from others I heard in Iraq. It’s a story of tragedy, renewing of faith and pursuing Jesus, hope, and new mission.

Rabee shared with me that he had lived outside of Mosul in a neighboring city. He was a veterinarian with an active business, employees, and busy schedule. He attended church but noted that he was more of simply an attender because his work kept him to busy.

When ISIS came in, he was forced to flee and leave everything.

Everything means his business, his 2 houses, his bank accounts, and more. His family fled with others in a car and ultimately they ended up in Erbil.

It was a chaotic time of trying to find out where the next meals were going to come from, where they could stay, what they would do and more. In that time period he was connected to the Erbil CMA church. Through the church and his own searching he was renewed in a stronger and active faith in Christ. What had been overlooked now became central. Stripped of every other comfort, convenience, and distraction, he sought and found Jesus and Jesus gave him new purpose and mission.

Rabee is now working for the church in their effort to help other IDP families just like his. He oversees an apartment complex completely filled with others who fled ISIS, over 130 families in his apartment building. He oversees them, ensuring they have their needs met and caring for each family. He also oversees 3 other managers like himself who themselves oversee an apartment building filled with IDP families.

He told me quickly and with joy, “I am more happy now doing this ministry than I was in my work before ISIS came. ISIS was evil but God was good.”

Wow. Incredible testimony of a life changed and out of evil coming good. How many of us can relate to being “too busy” and “consumed with work” so that we miss what Jesus has for us today?

It was a privilege to meet and become friends with Rabee in Erbil.

Wrapping it up

Erbil is a city on the move! Erbil was able to bring in hundreds of thousands of IDP’s and continue to provide services and expand as city.

Here’s some pictures of the building and infrastructure in Erbil.

Scaffolding – Climb at your own risk! Erbil, Iraq

Shopping in the Citadel

Many, many of these new buildings in process!

Spices in the Citadel, Erbil, Iraq

The historic Citadel in Erbil

In addition to material support the body of Erbil CMA church is ministering to the heart and soul. They are doing outreach, they are discipling, and they are loving people.

I witnesses time and again great stories of care, and stories of those who were once IDP’s themselves now serving and helping their fellow brothers and sisters. It was powerful.

I’m thrilled to have sat with them, thrilled to call them friends, and thrilled that I have the opportunity to be a small part of their lives.

iGive Global will continue to support the Grace4Iraq mission and the Erbil CMA church. The ongoing needs are great and ongoing support to help families as they try to find their “what is next” is essential.

You can give through iGive Global and all proceeds will be given to these wonderful resources making a difference in the lives of so many in need. Give to Help in Iraq >>

By Mike Gingerich

#GivingTuesday is December 1!

By igiveadmin Leave a Comment

Black Friday and Cyber Monday will be massive holiday shopping days.

It’s time to turn the tide and celebrate giving coming out of those epic shopping events with #GivingTuesday!

#GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday (identified in social media with the hashtag #GivingTuesday) is a way to also take time to give to your favorite non-profit and charity. It’s a great time to consider a year-end gift and iGive Global would value your support!

It’s been a good launch in 2015 of iGive Global and we hope to grow significantly in 2016!

With a unique focus on assisting giving and going to entrepreneurial-minded poor, displaced, orphans and widows who can soar to new given an opportunity, iGive fills a niche needed in Christian mission globally.

So what’s in store for 2016?

For starters, Mike heads to the Middle East early in 2016 with a team focused on supporting refugees displaced by ISIL. It’s a timely mission and much needed. This is a new venture for sure but we are also keeping our ongoing partnering relationship with the Goodwin’s and Gospel Ranch in Honduras.

The needs are great! The opportunities priceless!

Consider a year-end gift to iGive global on Tuesday, December 1 via our online giving form, or by sending a check that day to iGive Global at 16225 Easton Ct., Goshen, IN 46526.

Fall Mission 2015

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One of our key initiatives is to see Gospel Ranch Honduras grow and thrive.

Starting from the grassroots level, they have been creative and innovative to launch and take in 6 children to date. Serving the city of Gracias in the western Honduran mountain area, they are the only orphan home in the entire Lempira district (state) that meets the unique niche of kids that are outside the adoption system but yet have no family able to take them in.

My daughter, Karisa, served here in the spring of 2015 for 3 months. As a 15 year old, it was a great experience being in another culture and connecting with the children and work there. In fact, it was out of this mission vision and the desire to do more and to help Gospel Ranch more that iGive Global was then birthed! [Read more…]

The Iraq Marathon Fundraiser Quick Snapshot

Mike’s Marathon Cause: The #IraqRace Video Overview

The Iraq Backstory

Video of Iraqi Homes Being Rebuilt

The Iraq Race: Behind the Motivation

Stay Up-to-Date Via Email

Subscribe to Iraq Race Updates

August Challenge for Iraq…31 give $31 by August 20

Why go back to Iraq?

Firsthand Story of Refugee Support in Atlanta Area

Run for Refugees 1300

This is my dream:

Add Value. Be Uncommon. Overview:

What’s the Situation in Erbil, Iraq

Case in Point: My Friend Saad

Listen to Saad tell his story:

You can Help!

Region Being Transformed

$450 in Support for my 45th Birthday

Consider giving a Donation

Good Rising from the Evil of ISIS in Iraq

Story #1 – Fleeing Sinjar and Finding God’s Purpose

Listen to Saad tell his story:

Story #2 – Rabee Finding Joy and Meaning in Christian Service

Wrapping it up

#GivingTuesday

So what’s in store for 2016?