The Simon Initiative is a charity that shares the love of God in word and deed, in the much-troubled region of Iraqi Kurdistan. Read Mark's previous report here.

My maiden visit to Kurdistan in 2016 with Antony Simon was one of excitement at going into a part of the world I knew little about.

The journey so far

Traveling in the Middle East always held some mystique to me in that one was never sure how events would turn out. Years of criss-crossing Israel’s ‘Palestinian’ regions of Judea and Samaria and then Jordan gave me some perspective. Little, though, prepared me for where we now stand, in terms of reaching the Kurdish people with the gospel, along with caring for the needs of those suffering the fallout of a war-ravaged region.

I write this in some astonishment at what has transpired in terms of support over the years. I do not make any great effort to raise funds apart from letting you know some of the urgent needs. We have had the support of about 200 people worldwide, some of whom are regular contributors. I am extremely grateful to each and everyone, not least those who are able to contribute £20. I recognise that sacrifice and the Lord has multiplied these funds over and over.

 I recognise the sacrifices made, and the Lord has multiplied these funds over and over.

Recent achievements

This past year we have been able to send $70,000 to alleviate the plight of so many widows, mostly Peshmerger (Kurdish Army) Muslim widows, their children and the numerous refugees from Syria who are living in a camp in Soran, a city in the Kurdistan district of Iraq (near the border with both Turkey and Iran). We have also been able to take care of medical needs, sending some patients to Iran, where there are better facilities, especially when it comes to operations.

Not least are the needs of the poor among the believers in Messiah. One of the great challenges Khayrullah faces is discerning between those in genuine need and those who would use Jesus as a means to an end. He is an extraordinary man, and along with Antony Simon I’ve not met their like when it comes to protecting the funds entrusted to the Lord’s work.

I have received emails from the Consular Director of Kurdish Affairs in Washington, Barzan Ardalan, and the Barzani Foundation, the biggest NGO in Erbil and Iraq, thanking us for our contribution to their people.

A victim of success

This past year was again very complex and difficult as you are all fully aware, due to Covid. I tried twice to fly to Kurdistan, the last in November, but could not get a visa due to the situation in South Africa. But, somewhat miraculously, I was able to transfer funds.

His accusation that we are “Christianising Soran” gives some idea how effective this ministry has become.

We (Khayrulla in particular) have had to face terrible attacks from the Muslim leadership in Soran. The death threats became so bad that he and his family flew out to stay with me for over two months. There are videos on YouTube and Facebook calling for the death of members of Sabr (our registered charity name with the Iraqi government). The perpetrator is a Mullah based in Bradford, but who is from Soran. His accusation that we are “Christianising Soran” gives some idea how effective this ministry has become.

I’ve been told that the Simon Initiative has been responsible for 80% of all Kurdish evangelism that has taken place. Big ministries, although being in Kurdistan, apparently have very limited effect. I was told of one American missionary who “lives in the biggest house, drives the best vehicle, and whose children attend the best school” having had no impact at all. “How does a man living like that think he can reach my people?” I was asked. Kurds will only trust those “who know their situation and who know the complexities within the family and tribal structure, of leaving Islam.” We are indeed privileged to have been led by the Lord to the correct man. It always was a miraculous connection.

Being watched

Stories are only recently coming out of what we are faced with in this ministry. I have been totally unaware that my movements have been monitored since I made my first visit into the mountains to stay with Khayrullah and his wife. The security police, Asayesh, do regular visits driving past the home and office, and get notified if we have gone to evangelise in one of the outlying villages or further afield to cities like Ranya, closer to Iran. The Kurds do not want international incidents.

We are indeed privileged to have been led by the Lord to the correct man. It always was a miraculous connection.

I’ve also been told that the Mullahs of both Iran and Turkey will be aware of my presence in Soran, that I’m facilitating the purchasing of Bibles and undermining their Islamic culture. I’m also fully aware of the need of prayer, and especially covering prayer, when I travel.

I recently heard that Khayrulla was called by the head of the religious affairs of Soran to a meeting. He was caught totally by surprise and went as he was, only expecting to meet the head Mullah. When he arrived, there was a group of eleven Mullahs and an Orthodox Christian priest. Also present were the police, one of whom was taking notes. Khayrulla was welcomed in the customary fashion with sweets.

The Holy Spirit will teach you what to say

Then the interrogation began. Khayrullah was assailed by these clerics over what he was doing, bringing the gospel to Muslims, which he knew was forbidden. All of this was supported by the ‘Christian’ priest. Khayrullah was accused of being personally responsible for the many who were converting to Christianity.

It is fascinating to see how Yeshua’s words came true in this scenario: “Now when they bring you before the synagogues and the officials and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defence, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 11:11-12).

“Don’t you stop doing what you are doing“, he was told quietly. It was an extraaordinary conclusion to an extraordinary meeting!

Khayrullah began his address, “I think of Paul being brought before Felix in Acts 24. You yourselves know full well your religion, and what you have taught us. That nothing can happen outside the will of Allah. Do you think that I am a god, that I have the power to get men to leave Islam? Clearly what is happening is the will of Allah, because everything has been decreed and preordained by him, that these leave Islam to follow Yeshua.”

This was followed by a torrent of abuse, even as he spoke he was being told to shut up. “What am I to do about this ministry to our widows and their children?”, he asked. You can continue but you may never use this name again, he was told. “I will continue to let the people know who is blessing the Kurdish people with food and heating oil” Khayrullah stated. “That it is the God of the Bible and His Messiah, Yeshua.”

Keeping up the good work

By this time the Mullahs got up and were cursing him, saying, “We do not have to listen to you.” And they departed, Khayrullah was left in the company of the chief Mullah. “Don’t you stop doing what you are doing,“ he was told quietly, and with that they parted. It was an extraordinary conclusion to an extraordinary meeting!

Khayrulla is no longer serving in the armed forces. He is now effectively in full time ministry, spending considerable time discipling all the new believers. Simon Initiative will now give him a monthly sum equivalent to that he received. Please uphold him, and all the other faithful servants of Christ, in your prayers.

My gratitude and love to you all in Messiah Yeshua,

To be continued ……….

Mark

You can give to the ministry in Kurdistan by clicking here (UK donations accepted), or by emailing Mark at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All funds raised go to the people they are intended for – Mark takes no funds for personal expenses incurred in the ministry.