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st ori es of faith: god is moving in kurdistan Kurdistan is a place of deep resilience. Nestled in northern Iraq, its mountains and valleys carry both the scars of war and the beauty of endurance. For many who live here, families uprooted by conflict, children growing up in refugee camps, daily life is marked by hardship. Still, in the midst of it all, God is writing powerful stories of faith. Faith in the Midst of Displacement Thousands of families in Kurdistan have been uprooted by conflict, forced to leave behind their homes, jobs, and communities. Many live in refugee camps or temporary housing, unsure of what the future holds. And yet, we have seen faith rise in unexpected ways. One woman who is part of our underground church in the region gave her life to Jesus and was baptized. For a year she prayed that her husband would come to find faith in Jesus as well. He attended the weekly meetings of the small house church but was still hesitant to take the step of faith. This family had been separated from their home, their family, and everything they once held dear. Her husband found it difficult to find hope and faith again after so much loss and despair. Yet, after a year of his believing wife's intercession for him, this man came to accept Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior and took the bold step of baptism. They are now leading their two young children to pursue God and the wife is visiting other families to share the testimony of what God did in her life and her husband's life. Quiet Conversations, Lasting Impact In a culture where faith can feel personal and private, God is opening doors through simple acts of kindness. Sharing a meal, visiting a home, or offering prayer has sparked meaningful conversations. We’ve seen hearts soften as people experience the love of Jesus not through loud proclamations, but through consistent presence and care. One family has been slowly changed to become receptive to the Good News through the faithful visits of our team in Iraq bringing bags of food and home staples and praying with them through their challenges. A life given over to Jesus isn't an easy decision -- it's a life of sacrifice and submission. This family has been counting the cost before deciding to take up their crosses. Through continual visits, faithful presence, and humble acts of kindness we see hearts turning to Jesus and soil softening! We continue to pray for the ground to become fertile for the seeds of the Gospel! The Next Generation Rising One of the most hopeful signs in Kurdistan is the hunger among young people. Many are eager to learn, to build a future different from the one they’ve inherited. Bible studies and discipleship opportunities are shaping a generation that longs for more. These young men and women are discovering that Jesus is not only the Savior of their souls but also the One who gives them vision and courage for tomorrow. How You Can Join the Story Pray for Open Doors That the seeds being planted in Kurdistan will grow into strong communities of faith. Pray for Refugees That families who have lost everything will find hope and restoration in Christ. Pray for Young Leaders That God would raise up a new generation in Kurdistan who will carry His light into the future. At Light A Candle, we believe that every story of faith is a testimony to God’s unshakable love. What He is doing in Kurdistan is only the beginning. Together, through prayer, presence, and partnership, we can continue to witness His light breaking through in one of the world’s hardest places.

What Sponsorship Means to a Child Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them...? Isaiah 58:6-7

How to pray for the harvest in the hardest and darkest places on earth. Prayer isn't a last resort, it is the very heart of the call to missions!

Rising Through Persecution: Hope for India’s Next Generation  Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This article was written for Light A Candle by Burn USA Coordinator, Michael Coons. Burn is a global movement of 24/7 prayer and worship. To learn more or find a Burn furnace near you, visit Burn24-7.com

There have recently been more regulations and restrictions placed on women than ever before, even in biblical times. Shari'a law and "morality police" are imposing impossible demands on women not to allow any skin (even hands or eyes) to show, to refrain from even looking at a man who is not related to them, and to disallow them from speaking in public. Women in many nations are burdened with the weight of expectations that are meant to crush them. This was never God's intention for women.

Have you ever wondered, "Does child sponsorship really make a difference?" The answer is a powerful YES! Sponsorship isn't just about financial support—it's about breaking the cycle of poverty and protecting children from trafficking by tackling the root causes of their vulnerability. In India, human trafficking is the second-largest form of organized crime, with a staggering 38.3% increase over the past five years. Every year, around 135,000 children are trafficked, trapped in a nightmare of exploitation and abuse. 

If you've felt the call to the nations and have been curious about the cost to being a full-time missionary read on for the common roadblocks to overcome!