This is the second part of Mark's report. Read part one here.

Witness and wisdom

Khayrulla, a native Kurdish evangelist, brought a charge against a Mullah who called for the death of Sabr leaders. The case was heard in Soran and a record sent to Erbil and Baghdad. At the end of the trial the judge asked Khayrulla, “So are you kaffirs? (Unbelievers)”. He replied, “Your Honour, whether we are kaffirs or not I will leave it for you to decide. Are kaffirs those who are caring for the widows and refugees or is it the one standing up in the Mosque every Friday calling for blood and the death of Christians and Jews?” He has been blessed with a full measure of faith and resolve, yet always presenting a face that disarms his opponents.

Khayrullah and his team have done an inordinate amount of evangelising across many cities. The period over Christmas 2021 was exceptionally busy as they bought huge quantities of food and heating oil which they distributed widely. He had a wonderful idea of visiting moms and their newborn babies on the 25th December in hospital. They used this as an opportunity to witness about the birth of Yeshua and present the gospel. The photos were particularly moving as Muslim women looked on, no doubt touched by seeing the gifts that were brought. Children were not ignored, and the team made an amazing effort to brighten up their lives as they visited the camps and even schools with presents.

Khayrulla has been blessed with a full measure of faith and resolve, yet always presenting a face that disarms his opponents.

Recently, Khayrullah was given a very urgent warning to flee the country by his eldest brother, a General in the Peshmerger. He is a wonderful man who has for a long time afforded Khayrullah protection, even sending his own son (armed) in order that no harm befell either him or his family. Khayrulla had been laid up with a severely damaged leg from a motorbike accident. He had resorted to traveling that way rather than in the ministry vehicle – for it was being followed and they feared an attack.

Ministry among Jews

Apart from our main ministry in Kurdistan we have over the past two years supported pastor Ashish Khatiwada in Kathmandu, Nepal. He loves and has a heart for the salvation of the Jewish nation. Some may be aware that Israelis take a gap year to travel. Many go to New Zealand where my friend Omri Jacobovitch has an accommodation program with Christian hosts. Israelis have free accommodation and it gives Gentiles the opportunity to share the gospel sensitively. Other Israelis head off to India and Nepal. It is extremely sad that this group go with no inhibitions and virtually everything is experimented, drugs, sex and false gods.

It is one of Ashish’s aims to meet as many Israeli travellers as possible in order to share the good news. He comes from the Hindu tradition and his wife is from the well-known Sherpas and was formerly a Buddhist. They are an ideal couple to steer Israelis away from these death cults. In May this past year he asked me to teach a Bible course on Israel and Jewish evangelism to the College students. We did five three-hour sessions on Zoom addressing the class of 28 5th year students. Such was the impact of the Word on these converts to Christianity that we had to stop at times, since many were in tears. It was quite extraordinary. The gospel is going out to the villages of the Himalayas even though they are faced with many difficulties.

In the past five years Khayrulla has handed out 4,000 bibles, 39 of them to Mullahs.

Looking ahead

What do we have planned for the year ahead? In the past five years Khayrulla has handed out 4,000 bibles, 39 of them to Mullahs. These opportunities have meant time spent with each individual or family in order for them to grasp the basics of the faith. We are also able to offer “Born From Above”, an exposition on John 3 by Pastor Bill Randles, which we have had translated into the Kurdish tongue, Sorani.

Getting Bibles into Kurdish hands remains our main focus. Such has been the impact of the ministry that every week there are calls made for Bibles, or families wanting to give their lives to Messiah. It is obvious that the impact on Soran and surrounding villages has been significant - so much that YouTube videos are castigating us saying “Soran is being Christianised”. Appeals by that particular Mullah have been made to the Kurdish Government, the Mullahs and the Muslim faithful to put a stop to this.

While serving the widows and orphans is a biblical mandate and an important duty for those holding to 'pure religion', according to James, it is very much a vehicle that enables us to preach the gospel 'openly'. It would be impossible to get groups to come and hear the gospel otherwise. It must be done while assisting the needy and most vulnerable of society.

This is not done by Mullahs so it is no surprise that it draws many to question why we do this. I’ve related the time we were in a tea shop amongst a group of elderly men. “This man”, Khayrulla addressed them, “raises money from around the world and brings it to serve our people, the Peshmerger widows and others.” One of the men thanked us saying, “This is a true shepherd of God; our Mullahs also raise money but they keep it for themselves”. Is it any wonder we see God’s Spirit being outpoured in Kurdistan?

“This is a true shepherd of God; our Mullahs also raise money but they keep it for themselves”

With your support we hope to continue making an impression for Yeshua and drawing His sheep into the fold. I am very keen to get back, and I trust it will not be long before I return.

A personal note

Most of you know I lost my precious wife Marie Anne of 43 years on 13th April after a three year on-and-off battle with cancer. During the last seven months, the cancer had gone to her brain and she was unable to walk. The day we got back from the oncologist she asked me to lay everything down, my ministry, my golf, everything. “Mark I want you to care for me.’ It has been the most incredible privilege to be by her side 24/7 and reach a place in our relationship I imagine few do, because of her suffering. I finally came to grasp Yeshua’s words, that he has “come to serve, not to be served” (Mark 10:45).

She is the most extraordinary women I have ever met. She has left so much deposited in our three boys and our grandchildren, aspects that continually remind me of her. She is now safe, having gone literally from my arms into those of our Saviour, Yeshua. How I long to be with her, but as she reminded me, “Mark, you are not going to have time to miss me. The Lord has a lot of work for you to do.”

Thank you all once again for giving me the privilege to be your voice and vehicle to take the gospel into these regions. I could not ever have imagined God’s grace and mercy towards me, a sinner, would lead me into a ministry very few are afforded. If Facebook is getting too woke and censorious, as it surely is, and you would like to follow the ministry, and see the pictures of the work, please connect with me on Telegram where I have a private Simon Initiative Group.

My gratitude and love to you all in Messiah Yeshua ....