After the dictatorial government in Iraq controlled by Saddam Hussein was removed, many Kurdish people returned to their home villages. After years of persecution by this inhumane dictator, these noble people were at last allowed to have a life once again.
More than 250,000 were murdered and 6,000 villages destroyed during Hussein's Anfal Campaign. Not all returned to their home village, but those who did return virtually had to start over. Many of these villages were simply barren land while others contained broken roads, walls, wells, schools and homes. Most were without electricity.
For the last three years, EPIC International has been focusing on church planting among the Kurds in these villages in Northern Iraq. Concentrating first among the Kurds in Duhok Province, efforts have centered on village-level relationships and community development projects in the most remote villages. This, in turn, has allowed national church planters to share the Gospel. Several house churches and Bible studies have been birthed using this "love-loud" method.
The Kurds, who are in "survival mode" in their war-torn country of Iraq, are absorbed with major challenges of water, sewage, electricity, schools, and medical needs.
Meeting of the needs of their children...beyond basics...are delayed. EPIC has been "loving loud" the children of the Kurds by meeting some of these needs.
EPIC has administered vaccinations to thousands of children, provided school supplies, soccer fields and equipment, and reached out with a multiplicity of humanitarian programs. One of the most effective projects is to provide a small playground for a village where children can play safely and experience joy and hope in the midst of crisis.
These playgrounds are refurbished and shipped from the United States. They average $15,000 to purchase, ship, and install. There are several on the schedule for 2010, two of which need to ship immediately. There is an urgent need for $30,000 to make these two playgrounds happen. Please join us in this worthy project by giving a donation that makes a difference in the lives of Kurds.
After completing a recent playground project, at which governmental officials attended its dedication, an official was heard to say, "It has been a long time since I have heard our children laugh with such joy. This is truly a blessing for us all."
Here's your chance to "love loud" the children of Northern Iraq.
