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NEWS 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6 Iraqi Christians Remember “The Black Day” Published August 7, 2023 American FRRME Chairman, Col. Max Wood joined Adam McManus on “The World View in 5 Minutes” to speak about the ninth anniversary of “The Black Day” - the day when Iraqi Christians were forced from their homeland by the ISIS insurgency and the significance of this solemn anniversary. AFRRME Updates 2003 – 2023 The Challenges Facing Iraqi Christians Finding a Way Forward Published May 2023 The past twenty years have been a transformative time for Iraq’s Christian community, who have watched their population decline due to violence, marginalization, and other types of persecution from extremist groups such as Dae’sh, also known as ISIS. Despite these challenges, many Iraqi Christians have a strong love towards their country. AFRRME Updates Hundreds March on the National Mall in Washington D.C. in Support of the Persecuted Church Worldwide By Keely Jahns Published On September 29, 2022 Adapted from an article by Christian Headlines Last week we explored how digital church culture is thriving amongst the persecuted church in Iraq. We must remember any time that we talk about the church in Iraq and the greater Middle… AFRRME Updates Iraqi Christians Build Thriving Digital Discipleship Culture By Keely Jahns Published On September 23, 2022 Mission Network News recently covered a story about the growing culture of “digital church” within Iraq. Iraq is home to an ancient community of Christians, and within that community there are Christians of every background and denomination. Having been deeply… ​ AFRRME Updates New Patriarchate of the Assyrian Church of the East Opens its Doors in Erbil By Keely Jahns Published On September 16, 2022 The Assyrian Church of the East recently opened its new Patriarchate in Erbil, the capital city of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by area officials, including governmental officials, community leaders, local religious leaders and those with… ​ AFRRME Updates A Prayer of Blessing at The Olive Tree Center By American FRRME Staff Published On September 8, 2022 On August 6, 2022, the Iraqi refugee community gathered together at The Olive Tree Center to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the 2014 ISIS insurgency in Iraq. They gathered to sing, pray, and remember the day that changed their lives… ​ ​ AFRRME Updates Inter-Organizational Cooperation Aims to Bring Clean Water to Sinjar By Keely Jahns Published On September 1, 2022 Interorganizational Cooperation Aims to Bring Clean Water to Sinjar Like the Christian communities of Northern Iraq, when the ISIS insurgents swept across the Nineveh Plain in 2014, over 400,000 Yazidis were also displaced. This year, fighting has displaced thousands more.… ​ AFRRME Updates Displays of Hope, Help, and Healing from the August 6th Remembrance Event at the Olive Tree Center By Keely Jahns Published On August 25, 2022 Hope, Help, and Healing On August 6th, 2022, the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation (American FRRME) hosted a remembrance event with the Iraqi Christian community at the Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan, to commemorate the eighth anniversary of… AFRRME Updates “Stunning Archaeological Findings” Discovered at the Church of Saint Thomas in Mosul, Shedding New Light on the First Century Church in Iraq By Keely Jahns Published On August 18, 2022 Adapted from a story at All Arab News Christianity has been indigenous to Iraq for thousands of years. Many of the first Christians hailed from the region which is now Iraq, particularly the Nineveh Plain. The Nineveh Plain was one… AFRRME Updates August 6th Event at Olive Tree Center Garners Worldwide Media Attention for Iraqi Refugees By Keely Jahns Published On August 11, 2022 On August 6th, 2022, Iraqi refugees and friends of the community gathered at the Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the ISIS invasion of the Nineveh Plain. ​ ​ AFRRME Updates Iraqi Christian Refugees to Gather at Olive Tree Center to Observe “The Black Day” By Keely Jahns Published On August 4, 2022 On August 6th, 2022, refugees and displaced persons from the Nineveh Plain will be observing the eight-year anniversary of the 2014 ISIS insurgency. This is known by Iraqi Christians as “The Black Day.” It is a solemn observance of remembrance… ​ AFRRME Updates American FRRME Chairman Discusses Ongoing Persecution of Iraqi Christians By American FRRME Staff Published On July 29, 2022 American FRRME Chairman, Col. Max Wood joined American Sunrise with Ed Henry and Karyn Turk, on Real America’s Voice, to talk about the ongoing persecution of Iraqi Christians. Watch here: ​ AFRRME Updates “Boxing Sister,” Program Helps Internally Displaced Women Kickbox Their Way to Healing By Keely Jahns Published On July 28, 2022 Adapted from a story by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. A boxing project implemented by an NGO Innovation Award winner is empowering displaced Yazidi women and girls in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The “Boxing Sister” program helps displaced… AFRRME Updates National Leaders Show Bipartisan Support for Persecuted Church in DC Summit By Keely Jahns Published On July 21, 2022 In June 2022, the plight of the persecuted church was highlighted during the second annual Summit on International Religious Freedom (IRF) in Washington, D.C. The conference saw bipartisan support by leaders from both sides of the aisle, as well as… AFRRME Updates 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6

Iraqi Christians Remember “The Black Day” Published August 7, 2023 Listen to Podcast

NEWS 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6 Seeds of Hope By Alice Seeley Published On February 18, 2021 As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the refugees American FRRME supports in Jordan remain resilient. They continue to teach that through these tough times, faith, patience, fortitude, friendship, and hope for better times will overcome the fear of the unknown… Read More Meet Sahar By Alice Seeley Published On February 10, 2021 Sahar (names have been changed) is a 35-year-old refugee mother of four. Originally from Qaraqosh (in Northern Iraq) Sahar and her family left Qaraqosh in the middle of the night on August 8th, 2014 when ISIS arrived. Fortunately, they safely… Read More The Hope By Alice Seeley Published On January 19, 2021 Since 2014, the height of the ISIS rampage across Iraq and Syria, villages have crumbled. Countless communities have been hollowed out, as families fled to escape the violence. These families need support. “The Hope”, a support, prayer, and English language… Read More Hope and Healing By Alice Seeley Published On January 11, 2021 Refugee sisters Reem and Nadia (names are changed to protect them) have undergone difficult trials but their faith still remains. First, their father disappeared one night in Iraq. He was never found and presumed killed. Later in 2014, ISIS invaded… Read More Rescued From a “Living Grave” By Alice Seeley Published On December 21, 2020 When ISIS invaded the Nineveh Plain, life became very difficult for many of the refugees American FRRME supports. However, due to Iraq’s war-torn history, the Baltoo family (names have been changed to protect the family’s identity) experienced hardship long before… Read More Please Join Us On Facebook Live To Pay Respects To General David E. Greer By Alice Seeley Published On October 26, 2020 American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East invites you to join us on Facebook Live to pay our respects to our former Executive Director, Brigadier General David E. Greer. General Greer passed away on July 30th, 2020… Read More Field Notes from Helena By Alice Seeley Published On Various American FRRME- COVID-19 Relief Strategy Update: American FRRME has continued to implement all government-imposed criteria necessary to safely reopen Olive Tree Center. This includes hand sanitizer being mounted on walls, regular cleaning, mask-wearing, regulation of class and center attendance, and social… Read More Good News From The Harsham Soccer Project By Alice Seeley Published On October 13, 2020 Three years ago American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East started funding the Harsham Soccer Project to restore the soccer field in the Harsham Internally Displaced People’s Camp in northern Iraq. The soccer field was completed in… Read More Children In The Middle East Don’t Have Access To Remote Learning By Alice Seeley Published On September 16, 2020 The past few months have been filled with debate over the reopening of schools and universities. Many schools are adopting a hybrid approach of part-time classes and remote learning and some are entirely remote due to COVID-19. Due to these… Read More Covid Updates By Alice Seeley Published On Various Ten miles away from an American military base in Syria is Camp Rukban. Here 8,000 refugees are starving and isolated from the outside world. The only good news amidst this horrible situation is the zero cases of COVID- 19 in… Read More In Memory of Brig. Gen. David Greer/Executive Director/FRRME America/ 2012 – 2020 Read More We Mourn The Passing Of Executive Director Brigadier General David E Greer. By Alice Seeley Published On August 3, 2020 With great sadness, we announce the passing of our Executive Director, Brigadier General David E. Greer. General Greer passed away on Thursday, July 30th, 2020. He was 69 years old. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, General Greer graduated from… Read More Syrian Refugees Forced Out Of Lebanon By Alice Seeley Published On July 25, 2020 In the past week, President Michel Aoun of Lebanon renewed his call for Syrian refugees to return to Syria, as Lebanon believes the Syrian refugees have had serious repercussions on Lebanese society and economy. The Lebanese President ordered this… Read More Helping The Strangers Among Us By Alice Seeley Published On July 24, 2020 70.8 million people around the world are currently refugees. They have been forced to flee from their homes because of violence, persecution, and war. As Christians, we are called to love and help them. They are what the Bible calls… Read More The Struggles of Refugee Women By Alice Seeley Published On July 17, 2020 The life of a refugee is hard, but for a female refugee, it is even harder. Refugee women have experienced violence and war that have forced them to flee their homes. They often experience more violence on their way to… Read More The Syrian Crisis Worsens By Alice Seeley Published On July 15, 2020 With a severe bread shortage caused by many bakeries suspending work because of a lack of flour and a rise in the price of baking materials, Syria currently faces the risk of mass starvation or another mass exodus. Anti-regime… Read More A Beautiful Example Of Servant Leadership By Alice Seeley Published On July 9, 2020 Interview with Brigadier General David E. Greer, who is the current Executive Director of the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East. Alice: How did you and your wife Susan meet? General Greer: We meet at a… Read More Religious Freedom in The Middle East By Alice Seeley Published On June 24, 2020 For peace to be obtained religious freedom and the ability for members of different religions to coexist peacefully is necessary. Religious freedom is a global concern yet more people are persecuted for their faith now than at any other time… Read More The Refugee Crisis in Iraqi Kurdistan By Alice Seeley Published On June 22, 2020 Since 2011, over 2 million refugees have fled their homes and have found refuge in Iraqi Kurdistan. Now, 28 percent –almost one third– of Iraqi Kurdistan’s overall population is made up of refugees. Kurdistan is a region in Northern Iraq. … Read More The Number of Refugees Has Doubled in the Past Decade By Alice Seeley Published On June 20, 2020 Nearly 80 million people worldwide qualify as refugees, asylum seekers, or internally displaced. This number rose by 9 million from a year earlier. It is close to double the 41 million recorded in 2010, despite Covid-19 restrictions slowing down movement. … Read More To Many Refugees, Starvation Is a Bigger Threat Than COVID-19 . By Alice Seeley Published On June 17, 2020 Refugees are already at risk for starvation, but due to COVID-19, they are at an even higher risk. In normal circumstances, starving is a constant worry for refugees. Refugee camps rarely have enough resources. Now, COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have… Read More Christian Persecution in the Middle East Continues By Alice Seeley Published On June 6, 2020 The persecution of Christians in the Middle East is near genocide levels. The Christians of the Middle East are no strangers to persecution, but it has worsened significantly in the past 20 years and has led to a significant exile… Read More Living Conditions Of Refugees in Jordan By Alice Seeley Published On May 28, 2020 Currently, the Syrian conflict is the largest source of internally displaced people in the world. There are nearly 5.5 million Syrian refugees in the Middle-East. As of 2019, Jordan, which borders Syria, had registered 662,010 of these refugees. Jordan is… Read More The Yazidi Genocide By Alice Seeley Published On May 22, 2020 The Yazidis are a religious ethnic minority, living primarily in northern Iraq. The terrorist group ISIS has accused them of devil worship and because of this has have committed genocide as well as other horrendous crimes against the Yazidi people.… Read More The Iraq Refugee Crisis By Alice Seeley Published On May 21, 2020 Iraq has suffered from decades of conflict with other nations and internal strife. However, the current Iraqi refugee crisis began when militants attacked Christians and ethnic minorities. In 2014, ISIS, the militant group known for its brutality, started to… Read More The Syrian Civil War Crisis By Alice Seeley Published On May 13, 2020 One of the worst humanitarian crises of modern time has been going on for ten years, as of March 2020. This crisis is the Syrian civil war. Over the total course of this catastrophic war, 12 million Syrians have… Read More 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6

General David E. Greer Scholarship Fund Have you ever longed for something? Imagine experiencing that feeling with something as important as education. Education impacts your entire life. Out of the 7.2 million refugee children throughout the world, only 3.7 million have the opportunity to attend school. Globally 91% of children attend elementary school, whereas only 63% of refugee children have this opportunity; of that 63%, only 24% attend high school. Education protects and empowers refugees Education protects refugee children from forced recruitment into armed groups, child labor, and sexual exploitation. Education empowers refugees by giving them the knowledge and skills to rebuild their lives and communities. Are you wondering how you can help these children? This is where American FRRME comes in. Our former and beloved executive director, General David E. Greer, passed away unexpectedly in July 2020. His vision was to help refugees empower themselves and improve their lives through education. In loving memory of General Greer’s commitment to service and education, American FRRME established a tribute to honor his legacy – an annual scholarship that would enable dedicated, hardworking Iraqi refugee students the opportunity to attend school. The scholarship provides financial assistance to help cover tuition for these vulnerable youth so they can continue their studies with the hope for a brighter future ahead – something near and dear to General Greer and his vision. We want to fulfill this vision. Will you join us in bringing life to his vision by donating to the General David E. Greer scholarship fund? DONATE About Me

Olive Tree Center There is truly no place like home For Christians who have lost everything, the Olive Tree Center provides community, healing, and hope for the future. What if you lost your home and everything you own? In 2014, hundreds of thousands of Christians were forced to flee their homes in Iraq, Syria and other neighboring countries to avoid certain death at the hands of ISIS. They left in the dead of night – leaving behind their homes, possessions, careers, friends and family. Many camped in cemeteries and gardens for several months, separated from their loved ones and struggling to survive. ​ Since then, violence against Christians and other minority groups in the Middle East has caused several waves of refugees to leave their homeland in search of safety. Many fled to the Kingdom of Jordan, where there are currently over three million refugees from 53 nationalities. The over one million Christians who fled here have been denied citizenship, and all children born here are considered stateless. Read the latest report on the Olive Tree Center DOWNLOAD PDF Donate Now We hope you will consider a special contribution for the Olive Tree Center.

NEWS 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6 Everyone Loves Ice Cream By Alice Seeley Published On June 24, 2021 Ice cream is everyone’s favorite summer treat! That is why we are very excited to announce the completion of our latest Nineveh SEED project, the Sweet and Ice Cream Shop in Teleskuf! Teleskuf is just 8 miles from Mosul, which… AFRRME Updates Thank You For Helping Linda Restore Her Life! By Alice Seeley Published On June 24 , 2021 When ISIS invaded the Nineveh plain in 2014, Linda, a Christian mother to five children, suffered an immeasurable loss. ISIS burnt down her family’s calf-rearing farm; her family’s only source of income. After this, she and her family fled to Erbil. Once ISIS had… AFRRME Updates Love Each Other as I Have Loved You By Alice Seeley Published On June 21, 2021 As Jesus loves us, we are commanded to love one another. As we slowly return to normal life post-COVID-19, let’s not forget to love those who are not as fortunate. We celebrate how many have now been vaccinated. Sadly these… AFRRME Updates Meet Um Rama By Alice Seeley Published On May 31, 2021 Sylvia, also known as Um Rama, is a Jordanian Christian who has dedicated her life to serving others. In 2014, Sylvia’s eyes were opened to the suffering of her Christian brothers and sisters fleeing ISIS. “I heard about the Iraqi… ​ AFRRME Updates Meet Pastor Zaki By Alice Seeley Published On May 17, 2021 Fourteen years ago, Pastor Zaki opened the only church in the Gardens area of Amman; The Nazarene Church. In 2015, God placed another desire in his heart. A man came to see Pastor Zaki saying, “I want to give you… ​ ​ AFRRME Updates Bringing life back to the Nineveh Plain By Alice Seeley Published On April 8, 2021 Through generous donations, American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East was able to restore the only Olive Oil Soap factory in the Bashiqa area! This project was part of our Nineveh SEED employment program. Destroyed by the… AFRRME Updates Meet Leka and Ashwaq By Alice Seeley Published On March 30, 2021 In 2014, sisters Leka and Ashwaq fled to Jordan from Qaraqosh when ISIS invaded. Leka has 3 sons and a daughter, Ban. She was only a few weeks pregnant at the time with her youngest son, Androus “Nando.” Nando only… AFRRME Updates Healing Through Music By Alice Seeley Published On March 12, 2021 The Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan offers several different types of therapy and classes including music therapy and lessons to the refugee community, as music is a wonderful tool for healing. Many refugees have witnessed horrific events or lost… AFRRME Updates The Pope is coming to Iraq! By Alice Seeley Published On March 4, 2021 On Friday, March 5th, Pope Francis will make history by being the first pope to visit Iraq. The Pope will arrive in Baghdad, where American FRRME funds St. George’s medical and dental clinic. Through his visit, Pope Francis hopes to… AFRRME Updates 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6

Our Impact From Baghdad to the Plain of Nineveh, from Kurdistan to Mt. Sinjar—wherever the Iraqi people have been persecuted for their Christian faith and experienced suffering, American FRRME is providing comfort and aid for these marginalized refugees and other religious minorities. Our Story The American Foundation for Relief & Reconciliation in the Middle East (American FRRME) was founded in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to promote reconciliation, provide relief efforts, advance human rights and seek an end to sectarian violence in the Middle East. Although autonomous, American FRRME has been associated with Mosaic Middle East for implementing projects. American FRRME provides humanitarian assistance, health care and education to those who have fled persecution and genocide, including Christians, Yazidis, Shabak and others throughout the Middle East and supports the operations and outreach efforts of St. George’s Anglican Church in Baghdad, Iraq. We are also working to rebuild lives and restore hope through advocacy and long-term investment in the region. Iraqi refugees in Jordan enjoy a rooftop meal with American FRRME staff and board members. Mission To model Christ’s love for all by providing relief, comfort and aid to displaced Iraqi Christians in Iraq and Jordan, by encouraging and facilitating their return home, and by supporting the compassion ministries of Saint George’s Church in Baghdad. Vision A Middle East that flourishes in an atmosphere of reconciliation and mutual respect between all faith groups. SIGN UP Board of Trustees Col. "Max" Wood Chairman Robert Slaughter Vice Chairman Robert McCullers Treasurer Mark Magoni Trustee Sydney Leach Trustee Connie Wilson Trustee May Hardiman Emeritus Trustee John Busterud Emeritus Trustee Kevin Douglas Emeritus Trustee Capt. Scott Rye Emeritus Trustee Richard Swett Emeritus Trustee Paul H. Tyson Emeritus Trustee Mick Kicklighter Emeritus Trustee Nate Breeding Executive Director

NEWS 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6 Meet Enaam By Keely Jahns Published On April 21, 2022 Meet Enaam, a teacher from Iraq, whose life changed when ISIS invaded Qaraqosh. Life was happy and stable for Enaam and her family, despite the challenges faced in her country before the insurgency. “Qaraqosh is a Christian town. It is… AFRRME Updates Easter Sunday: Traditions in Iraq and Around the World By Keely Jahns Published On April 14 , 2022 This Sunday, April the 17th, millions of Christians around the globe will be celebrating Easter and commemorating the resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Among them are most Protestant denominations, Roman Catholics, and a majority of people in… AFRRME Updates Iraq, Syria, and Ukraine: Reflections on the Global Refugee Crisis By Keely Jahns Published On March 31, 2022 As of March 30, 2022, 4 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine. Millions are internally displaced amidst gruesome fighting, and millions have fled the country into neighboring nations such as Lithuania, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Poland. The International… AFRRME Updates David E. Greer Scholarship: A Legacy to Enrich Lives By Keely Jahns Published On March 24, 2022 The General David E. Greer Scholarship Fund has been established in memory of the organization’s former Executive Director, Brigadier General David Greer who lost his life in a tragic accident in 2020. “David had a deep affection for the people… AFRRME Updates General Greer Scholarship Fund to Provide Education to Refugees in Jordan By Keely Jahns Published On March 10, 2022 In the West, most children are afforded a K-12 education. In places like the United States, as well as in many European countries, children are guaranteed an option of free public education. This sets children up for success in life,… AFRRME Updates Catholic University Offers “Pope Francis Scholarships” to Iraqi Christians By Keely Jahns Published On March 3, 2022 Education impacts your entire life. That’s why Catholic University is offering Christians in Erbil the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Along with many who stayed and rode out the turmoil, there are countless Christians returning to Iraq nearly eight years… AFRRME Updates New Catholic Church and University Bringing Hope, Help, and Healing to Christians in Erbil By Keely Jahns Published On February 24, 2022 “Christians in Iraq will not become a museum exhibit for religious tourists to come and view.” – Father Benedict Kiely It was August 2014. Erbil and the roads out of Northern Iraq were filled with hundreds of thousands of Christians… AFRRME Updates As Tensions Rise at the Iraqi-Syrian Border, Iraqi Christians Cling to the Hope of a Peaceful Future By Keely Jahns Published On February 10, 2022 Jihadist tensions along the Iraq-Syria border are being watched carefully by Iraqi Christians. It was not long ago that ISIS waged war on Christians and Yazidis in the Nineveh Plain, attacking towns, burning churches, forcing conversions, and killing families. Most… AFRRME Updates Priest Murdered in Northwest Pakistan By Keely Jahns Published On February 3, 2022 On January 30th, 2022, Bishop William Siraj, Father Naaem Patrick, and a third, yet unnamed priest had just finished celebrating Sunday Mass in the Gulbahar neighbourhood of Peshawar City, Pakistan. The holy men were walking home in peace, when the… AFRRME Updates Action Needed to Keep Christians from Leaving the Middle East By Keely Jahns Published On January 26, 2022 Jihadist tensions along the Iraq-Syria border are being watched carefully by Iraqi Christians. It was not long ago that ISIS waged war on Christians and Yazidis in the Nineveh Plain, attacking towns, burning churches, forcing conversions, and killing families. Most… AFRRME Updates Christians Struggle to be Counted in Iraq’s Democratic Process By Keely Jahns Published On January 17, 2022 Christians Struggle to be Counted in Iraq’s Democratic Process Iraq is home to the oldest continuously practicing body of Christians in the world. In 1990, there were estimated to be 1.5 million, 3% of the total Iraqi population. Since then,… AFRRME Updates Christian Villages Emptied Once Again By Keely Jahns Published On December 6, 2021 Iraqi Christians are under siege once again. Christian villages across Kurdistan are bracing for bombardment. On November 6th, 2021, Turkish bombs fell over the town of Father Samir Youssef, an Iraqi priest who has seen wave after wave of violence… AFRRME Updates 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6

NEWS 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6 Iraqi Christians Remember “The Black Day” Published August 7, 2023 American FRRME Chairman, Col. Max Wood joined Adam McManus on “The World View in 5 Minutes” to speak about the ninth anniversary of “The Black Day” - the day when Iraqi Christians were forced from their homeland by the ISIS insurgency and the significance of this solemn anniversary. AFRRME Updates 2003 – 2023 The Challenges Facing Iraqi Christians Finding a Way Forward Published May 2023 The past twenty years have been a transformative time for Iraq’s Christian community, who have watched their population decline due to violence, marginalization, and other types of persecution from extremist groups such as Dae’sh, also known as ISIS. Despite these challenges, many Iraqi Christians have a strong love towards their country. AFRRME Updates Hundreds March on the National Mall in Washington D.C. in Support of the Persecuted Church Worldwide By Keely Jahns Published On September 29, 2022 Adapted from an article by Christian Headlines Last week we explored how digital church culture is thriving amongst the persecuted church in Iraq. We must remember any time that we talk about the church in Iraq and the greater Middle… AFRRME Updates Iraqi Christians Build Thriving Digital Discipleship Culture By Keely Jahns Published On September 23, 2022 Mission Network News recently covered a story about the growing culture of “digital church” within Iraq. Iraq is home to an ancient community of Christians, and within that community there are Christians of every background and denomination. Having been deeply… ​ AFRRME Updates New Patriarchate of the Assyrian Church of the East Opens its Doors in Erbil By Keely Jahns Published On September 16, 2022 The Assyrian Church of the East recently opened its new Patriarchate in Erbil, the capital city of the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by area officials, including governmental officials, community leaders, local religious leaders and those with… ​ AFRRME Updates A Prayer of Blessing at The Olive Tree Center By American FRRME Staff Published On September 8, 2022 On August 6, 2022, the Iraqi refugee community gathered together at The Olive Tree Center to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the 2014 ISIS insurgency in Iraq. They gathered to sing, pray, and remember the day that changed their lives… ​ ​ AFRRME Updates Inter-Organizational Cooperation Aims to Bring Clean Water to Sinjar By Keely Jahns Published On September 1, 2022 Interorganizational Cooperation Aims to Bring Clean Water to Sinjar Like the Christian communities of Northern Iraq, when the ISIS insurgents swept across the Nineveh Plain in 2014, over 400,000 Yazidis were also displaced. This year, fighting has displaced thousands more.… ​ AFRRME Updates Displays of Hope, Help, and Healing from the August 6th Remembrance Event at the Olive Tree Center By Keely Jahns Published On August 25, 2022 Hope, Help, and Healing On August 6th, 2022, the American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation (American FRRME) hosted a remembrance event with the Iraqi Christian community at the Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan, to commemorate the eighth anniversary of… AFRRME Updates “Stunning Archaeological Findings” Discovered at the Church of Saint Thomas in Mosul, Shedding New Light on the First Century Church in Iraq By Keely Jahns Published On August 18, 2022 Adapted from a story at All Arab News Christianity has been indigenous to Iraq for thousands of years. Many of the first Christians hailed from the region which is now Iraq, particularly the Nineveh Plain. The Nineveh Plain was one… AFRRME Updates August 6th Event at Olive Tree Center Garners Worldwide Media Attention for Iraqi Refugees By Keely Jahns Published On August 11, 2022 On August 6th, 2022, Iraqi refugees and friends of the community gathered at the Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the ISIS invasion of the Nineveh Plain. ​ ​ AFRRME Updates Iraqi Christian Refugees to Gather at Olive Tree Center to Observe “The Black Day” By Keely Jahns Published On August 4, 2022 On August 6th, 2022, refugees and displaced persons from the Nineveh Plain will be observing the eight-year anniversary of the 2014 ISIS insurgency. This is known by Iraqi Christians as “The Black Day.” It is a solemn observance of remembrance… ​ AFRRME Updates American FRRME Chairman Discusses Ongoing Persecution of Iraqi Christians By American FRRME Staff Published On July 29, 2022 American FRRME Chairman, Col. Max Wood joined American Sunrise with Ed Henry and Karyn Turk, on Real America’s Voice, to talk about the ongoing persecution of Iraqi Christians. Watch here: ​ AFRRME Updates “Boxing Sister,” Program Helps Internally Displaced Women Kickbox Their Way to Healing By Keely Jahns Published On July 28, 2022 Adapted from a story by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. A boxing project implemented by an NGO Innovation Award winner is empowering displaced Yazidi women and girls in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The “Boxing Sister” program helps displaced… AFRRME Updates National Leaders Show Bipartisan Support for Persecuted Church in DC Summit By Keely Jahns Published On July 21, 2022 In June 2022, the plight of the persecuted church was highlighted during the second annual Summit on International Religious Freedom (IRF) in Washington, D.C. The conference saw bipartisan support by leaders from both sides of the aisle, as well as… AFRRME Updates 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6

Become a Church Partner In our mission to bring hope, help and healing in the Middle East Watch Video DONATE "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10 “At Martha Bowman Church, we give because we believe it is our Christian duty to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in desperate need. And these are perhaps the descendants of some of the Church’s first families of believers from the first century. This has become more than a duty but a privilege to come alongside them and to minister to their deep needs.” — Mark Magoni, Pastor of Martha Bowman Church in Macon, Georgia Our ministry is one of restoration and empowerment. We invite you to join our ministry and to make our mission part of your global outreach missions. DONATE Thousands of Iraqi Christians have lost everything. They have fled generational homes – choosing their faith in Christ over converting to Islam. As Christians in America, we don’t know this kind of persecution. We don’t consider making this choice at the risk of our lives. As a church partner, your congregation is committing to our brothers and sisters who count on our generosity. Their plight is ours. A commitment to this cause of lifting our Iraqi Christian brethren brings hope and shines the light of our Savior to the watching world.

NEWS 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6 Stories of Hope: Meet Nadira By Alice Seeley Published On October 26, 2021 Meet Nadira, one of the many refugees who are eternally grateful to St. George’s Medical Clinic. Her story is one of trauma, survival, and hope. Originally from Baghdad, Nadira’s husband was killed in a suicide bombing in 2005. His body… AFRRME Updates Olive Tree Farm in Bashiqa By Alice Seeley Published On September 23 , 2021 Made possible by your donations, American FRRME and Mosaic Middle East planted 500 olive trees at the Olive Tree Farm in Bashiqa! This Nineveh SEED project restored an olive tree farm that was destroyed by ISIS. Nineveh SEED programs are… AFRRME Updates Reflections on Afghanistan By Alice Seeley Published On September 10, 2021 Dear reader, Below is a personal reflection written by Helena Scott, the Jordan Country Director for American FRRME and Mosaic Middle East in the UK. She reflects on two events, 7 years apart, which changed the lives of thousands. The… AFRRME Updates A beacon of hope, help, and healing By Alice Seeley Published On September 1, 2021 Did you know that Christians are the minority of the minorities in Baghdad? “I worry for the future of the Christians in Iraq. I pray that God will save us from what could happen in the future,” said Canon Faez… ​ AFRRME Updates Highlights of Hope Restored By American FRRME Staff Published On August 19, 2021 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not… AFRRME Updates Meet Falah Zaki By Alice Seeley Published On August 18, 2021 Falah Zaki, a famous carpenter in Iraq, left with his family when ISIS invaded. He learned his trade at 12-years-old and led a team that built a series of beautiful churches in Qaraqosh and the surrounding areas, as well as… ​ AFRRME Updates Never Lose Hope and Always Keep Smiling By Alice Seeley Published On August 11, 2021 COVID-19 has brought destruction across the world, especially to the most vulnerable. Many refugees have faced financial hardships and lost loved ones because of COVID-19. However, despite these hardships, the refugees we support are strong, resilient, and always depend on… AFRRME Updates The Olive Tree Center’s Hope Restored Celebration Concert 2021 By Alice Seeley Published On July 21, 2021 Join us via Zoom for a special, live event on August 6th at the Olive Tree Center in Madaba, Jordan, to observe the seven year anniversary of the ISIS invasion of the Nineveh Plain. We will be celebrating the survivors… ​ ​ AFRRME Updates You’re Invited! By Alice Seeley Published On July 21, 2021 A celebration of Iraqi Christian Refugees seven years after the ISIS invasion of their homeland. ​ ​ ​ ​ AFRRME Updates Thank You! By Alice Seeley Published On July 15, 2021 At American FRRME, we bring hope, help, and healing to those whose livelihoods have been destroyed by acts of violence. To continue restoring lives we need your support! In the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq at the Harsham refugee camp, hundreds… AFRRME Updates Save the Date: August 6, 2021 By Alice Seeley Published On July 2, 2021 Hope Restored: A celebration of Iraqi Christian Refugees seven years after the ISIS drove them from their homes. ​ ​ ​ ​ AFRRME Updates Never Lose Hope & Always Keep Smiling By Alice Seeley Published On July 1, 2021 COVID-19 has brought destruction across the world, especially to the most vulnerable. Many refugees have faced financial hardships and lost loved ones because of COVID-19. However, despite these hardships, the refugees we support are strong, resilient, and always depend on… AFRRME Updates 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6

NEWS 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6 Middle Eastern Christians at Risk, Warns Researcher By Keely Jahns Published On July 14, 2022 Christian communities in the Middle East are at high risk of continued persecution, warned Robert Nicholson, executive director of the Philos Project. The Philos Project is a new Christian advocacy group dedicated to advancing pluralism and religious freedom in the… AFRRME Updates Meet Azad By Keely Jahns Published On July 7, 2022 Azad is a refugee from Mosul. In Mosul and Qaraqosh, he worked as a formwork carpenter in housing construction. He and his family lived comfortably when Azad’s carpentry business was booming. Like many families, when there wasn’t enough work, they… AFRRME Updates Thomas the Apostle and the Christians of Nineveh By Keely Jahns Published On July 1, 2022 July 3rd is the Feast Day of the Apostle Thomas, a very significant figure to the Christians of the Nineveh Plain. His journey across the Middle East led him to evangelize communities in Northern India. Founding churches across his route,… AFRRME Updates Christian Persecution Continues Across Globe By Keely Jahns Published On June 24, 2022 The Christian persecution watchdog group, Open Doors, estimates that 13 people around the world are killed each day for following Jesus. Right now, in places like Nigeria, 2.7 million people of many different tribes and faiths, including many Christians, have… ​ AFRRME Updates Olive Tree Center Open House By Keely Jahns Published On June 17, 2022 We are proud to announce our upcoming Olive Tree Center Open House, on June 24th, 2022. Join us from 6-8 PM for traditional Iraqi food, music, dance, artwork, culture and FUN! There will be mosaics on display, created by the… ​ AFRRME Updates Iraqi Christians Deserve to be Seen as More Than “Other,” says Cardinal Louis Sako By Keely Jahns Published On June 9, 2022 Chaldean Patriarch Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Baghdad addressed the issues of peace and unity faced by Iraqis in an analysis sent to the organization Fides this week. The Patriarch addressed the misconceptions amongst the majority-Muslim population about Iraqi Christians.… AFRRME Updates Iran is Squeezing Christians and Minorities out of the Middle East, Says Researcher By Keely Jahns Published On June 2, 2022 A researcher with the Philos Project told journalists in February that Iran is squeezing non-Muslims out of the country, and is fighting to do the same in nearby states such as Iraq and Syria. In these neighboring nations, Iran is… AFRRME Updates Remembering the Pope’s Call For Peace By Keely Jahns Published On May 26, 2022 In March 2021, Pope Francis made a notable visit to Iraq, during which he was moved to the “deepest part of his soul,” by the plight of Christians across the Nineveh Plain and the Greater Middle East. According to Archbishop… ​ AFRRME Updates 20 Christians Killed by ISIS in Nigeria By Keely Jahns Published On May 20, 2022 Last week, ISIS extremists executed 20 Nigerian Christians in a brutal knife attack to “avenge the killing of the group’s leaders in the Middle East.” The Islamic State posted footage of their executions in a vile warning to Nigerians, that… AFRRME Updates Yazidi People Forced to Flee the Nineveh Plain Once Again By Keely Jahns Published On May 13, 2022 A new round of fighting in Iraq has driven around 1,000 Yazidi families from their homes on the Nineveh Plain. Yazidis are a kurmanji-speaking ethno-religious minority indigenous to Kurdistan, a land that spans parts of modern-day Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and… AFRRME Updates St. George’s Anglican Church and Outreach Bringing Hope, Help, and Healing to Baghdad By Keely Jahns Published On May 4, 2022 St. George’s Anglican Church in Baghdad had its doors shuttered during Saddam Hussein’s regime. After the end of the dictator’s rule, it opened its doors once again, but not without facing many challenges. Built in 1936 to honor fallen British… AFRRME Updates Egypt Releases Nine Coptic Christians Jailed for Attempting to Rebuild Church By Keely Jahns Published On April 28, 2022 On April 24th, 2022, after outcry from human rights organizations, the Egyptian State released nine Coptic Christians who were detained for attempting to rebuild their community church. They had been detained for nearly three months. Coptic Christians, the largest non-Muslim… AFRRME Updates 1 - - 2 - - 3 - - 4 - - 5 - - 6