Bringing Light to the Mountains: The Spread of the Gospel Among the Kurds
In the first half of 2024, a remarkable effort to spread the Gospel in one of the most persecuted and difficult-to-reach areas of the world has been undertaken. The Frontlines International Foundation, in partnership with Home for Kurds, supported the distribution of over 10,000 “Fish” Farsi New Testaments as part of a larger project aimed at making the Bible accessible to Kurds in their native languages. For Kurds living in regions hostile to Christianity, this was not merely a logistical endeavor but a spiritual lifeline bringing the Word of God into hostile territory.
An Ambitious Distribution Effort
Throughout the first six months of 2024, the mission of Home for Kurds reached many with the following materials:
- 17,500 New Testaments in Kurdish Sorani were printed and distributed.
- 10,000 Micro SD chips featuring Bible passages, audio recordings, Christian Kurdish songs, and other resources were distributed. These chips also contained videos with 35 Old Testament stories, Christian apologetics lessons, and discipleship teachings, making them a versatile and invaluable tool for believers, particularly those in house churches where no formal leader is available.
- 3,500 discipleship books, which contained sermon teachings from Kurdish Christian leader Farid, were shared among the faithful.
- 5,000 “City” Farsi New Testaments, in addition to the 10,000 ‘Fish’ Farsi NT, were distributed across various regions in Iran and even reached Kurdish communities near the Afghan border.
Despite the challenges and dangerous roads, these Christian materials found their way into many homes. The Lord’s hand was evident in the distribution, as miracles were reported in safely delivering Bibles to some of the most dangerous areas in Iran and Afghanistan, where small Kurdish groups received the scriptures.
Testimonies of Transformation
The stories of those touched by this Bible distribution effort are powerful and inspiring. In the mountainous regions of Kurdistan, the leaders of several house churches gathered for Bible study. These men, who once lived as arms dealers, smugglers, and fighters among the Peshmerga, have now given their lives to Jesus Christ. They smuggle Bibles and negotiate safe passage through treacherous mountain regions to bring the Word of God to places no one else dares to go.
One such leader shared his testimony of transformation: “Old desires had to die, and a new desire to live for God now fills my heart, even if it places me in difficult situations. I feel joy in serving Him.”
Another testimony is that of Khush*, a 55-year-old Kurdish man known for his poetry. Before knowing Christ, Khush recited his poetry across Kurdistan, but after coming to faith, his poetry became a tool for evangelism. He would recite his new, Christ-centered poems in public, at picnics, and even in city squares, proclaiming the message of salvation. Khush’s boldness in sharing his faith through his art was remarkable. Sadly, Khush passed away due to cardiac arrest, but his final poem left a lasting legacy: “I come from this country, the Kurdish country. I am a Kurd, not another people, no matter what other people say, but I also have one faith, and that is faith in Jesus Christ. I am a Christian and a Kurd!”
These are not just words; for the Kurds, who have long fought for their identity, to boldly declare “I am first a child of the Most High God, and He loves me as a Kurd” is revolutionary. This profound statement redefines how many Kurds view their national and spiritual identity, intertwining both into a declaration of faith.
Growth Amidst Persecution
During visits in early 2024, Farid met with several Kurdish Christian leaders. These meetings often took place one-on-one for security reasons. It became clear that there is an increasing hunger for the Word of God among the Kurds, and the house churches are growing steadily. Often, only two to four families gather for safety, but even in these small fellowships, God is at work. Neighbors, family members, and students are hearing the Gospel, and many have responded, feeling as though they had been waiting for this truth all along.
However, the good news is often accompanied by tragedy. Several brothers were recently executed for their faith in Jesus Christ. While the community mourns their loss and worries for their families, there is also deep gratitude for their unwavering testimonies and the assurance that they are now with the Lord.
One particularly powerful story is that of Ibraahim*, a devout Muslim who began searching for God more deeply after the loss of his child. In his study, Ibraahim discovered that while the Quran mentions war 222 times, the Bible only references it 22 times. Conversely, love is mentioned in the Bible 222 times, compared to just 22 times in the Quran. This stark contrast led Ibraahim to surrender his life to Jesus, and he now spreads the Gospel through music and other creative means.
Courageous Evangelism
Rasool* is another remarkable story of transformation. He was imprisoned by the Iranian government, and accused of being a Christian. Though not a believer at the time, his experience in prison sparked a desire to learn more about the Jesus he had heard so much about. After being released, Rasool fled to a safer region with his wife, where they both began studying the Bible and eventually found a house church. They were baptized and immediately began sharing their new faith with other Kurdish refugees.
During one of Farid’s visits, Rasool asked for help organizing a baptism service for 50 new believers. Given the danger of gathering such a large group, they had to baptize in small numbers over time, but Rasool and his wife are now equipped to continue baptizing new believers as they come to Christ.
Looking Ahead
The demand for Bibles and teaching materials continues to grow among the Kurds. As Home for Kurds looks ahead to the second half of 2024, their goal is to distribute even more Bibles, despite the ever-present dangers. The church is growing, and the desire for God’s Word is undeniable. With the Lord’s continued protection and provision, many more Kurds will hear the Gospel and find new life in Christ.
Prayer Points
- Prayer for the Continued Spread of the Gospel Among Kurds
Pray that the Word of God continues to reach every Kurd, despite the dangers and challenges. Ask for the protection of those involved in Bible distribution, that they would be able to safely deliver more Bibles and teaching materials, and that the hearts of the Kurdish people would be open to receiving the message of Christ. - Prayer for Strength and Comfort for Persecuted Believers
Pray for the Kurdish Christians who are facing persecution, including those who have lost loved ones because of their faith. Ask God to strengthen and comfort their families and communities, and to give them courage to continue standing firm in their faith despite the threat of violence and death. - Prayer for Transformation and New Believers
Pray for individuals like Ibraahim and Rasool who have found faith in Christ, that they would continue to boldly share the Gospel with others. Pray for the growing house churches, that they would remain safe and continue to be a place of transformation for those seeking to know the Lord. Ask God to equip new believers with wisdom and guidance as they take on leadership roles in their communities.
- Prayer for the Continued Spread of the Gospel Among Kurds
