Iraq is considered the birthplace of humanity and was likely the ancient home of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. However, the nation's illustrious past stands in stark contrast to current political unrest and ongoing violence.

The situation in North Iraq continues to be desperate for so many.  Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have had to flee their homes in the face of extremist violence and brutal conflict. 

OM has a long history of work in Iraq, has had staff serving on the ground for a number of years, and has relationships with churches and believers from different backgrounds in the area.

In response to the current crisis, OM has launched a relief project that is currently being implemented in four locations in North Iraq, helping thousands of people from Christian, Yazidi and minority Muslim backgrounds, with basic food aid, hygiene kits, along with mattresses and blankets to help with immediate needs.  The situation is very fluid, and the team’s response is adapting in some places on an almost daily basis.

Since 2011, OM has helped tens of thousands of families in need due to the crisis in Syria.  Lives have been impacted physically, emotionally and spiritually. Syrians have received real help at their time of need, and significant numbers have met Christ for the first time. These principles are the basis for OM’s present response to the humanitarian disaster in North Iraq: that is, responding according to existing relationships, working with local believers, helping people of all religious and ethnic backgrounds without conditions, though constantly looking for opportunities to be missional. OM longs to see Iraqis helped at this time of need in every way, especially for them to meet and experience Jesus.