Building Hope
in Iraq
FIRST CHICKEN FARMS STARTED!

SWIC is extremely grateful to those working on the ground who made this such a success, Sinan, Claire Evans, and all those at our collaborating organization ICC. SWIC sends blessings and best wishes to Bassam and Ghazwan, who are witnessing to God’s redeeming love through chickens!
Dear SWIC friends and contributors,

Our first 2 farms in the Chicken Farm Initiative (CFI) are now up and running! In April, 6,000 chicks were distributed between 2 farmers, Bassam and Ghazwan in Qaraqosh, Iraq. This is a giant leap forward in our commitment to help rebuild the commercial and community life of this crucial farming region for Christians on the Nineveh Plains.

You might recognize Bassam (above), now beaming in pride at his 3,000 1-day old chicks. The last time we saw him, in the video SWIC produced last November, he was standing amidst the rubble of his giant chicken coop that ISIS destroyed. Today he and Ghazwan have the proper feed and antibiotics to raise their chicks, which will be ready for sale to waiting markets by the end of May. Thanks to this first cycle of raising these chicks to maturity, by June both farmers will be ready to purchase more chicks, and become self-sustaining. This is the power of God manifesting itself through your commitment.

These 2 farms constitute just the beginning of Phase 1 of CFI, where SWIC and its collaborating partner ICC (Washington-based NGO International Christian Concern) plan to have 8 chicken farms up and running by November 2019. Thanks to your spiritual and financial support, we are moving toward our goal of helping transform the story of contemporary Iraq from one of crucifixion to resurrection, from heartache to hope. The timing could not be better, as spring and summer are the prime growing seasons.

We have a wonderful start, and as of today we have the funding for 2 more farms scheduled to begin operations in June. In order to complete the 4 additional farms for Phase 1, SWIC is committed to raising our $24,000 contribution ($6,000/per farm) in the weeks and months ahead. Your prayers, creative ideas, and gifts are all welcome!

Qaraqosh, “Chicken City”, will hopefully one day once again be an economic, religious and cultural wellspring for Iraq. It can be a magnet of economic growth to draw its now far-flung citizens, many still living in refugee camps in Jordan and elsewhere, home again. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your trust, hope and love in joining SWIC in this great work the Spirit has given us to do. Our careful cultivation of the seeds of hope is beginning to bear fruit. Through God’s grace, and your generous spirit, we will continue to be a force for good and progress in the great country of Iraq.

Peace,
Fr. Chris Bishop, Founder
Fr. Chris and Buck Blanchard on Fall 2018 Mission Trip to Iraq
Making a Difference One Bracelet at a Time:

 Spotlight on Pat Beard
One Sunday after church at St. Thomas (Whitemarsh)  I sat in coffee hour and was energized by The Rev. Chris Bishop. He shared his venture to Iraq and his experiences in a Christian IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp he visited. People fled there for safety from ISIS. He felt so strongly.

Fr. Chris told us about the small red bracelets that were being sold to raise funds for the children. I heard every word and thought, “I can do this.” One small red bracelet at a time—I could sell these. I looked back to 1973 when I was a young widow with two girls, and thought of the Iraqi mothers with their children, giving up their homes to be safe.

SWIC supplied me with bracelets which I gave for any sized donation after church on Sundays. With others’ help we also sold them at Saturday events at St. Thomas. Even Bishop Gutierrez and our rector wear these bracelets. I now know it wasn’t my voice I heard when I approached Fr. Chris and said I can help. It was God’s voice.
Stand With Iraqi Christians is deeply grateful for the more than $1,500 that Pat Beard collected from bracelet sales. She is a model for how we can make a positive difference, loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Deb Parker, Executive Director
Up to 100 chicken farmers are ready to restart their poultry operations. All they lack are the modest resources needed to begin again, and restore at least part of what Da'esh (ISIS) took away. You can help!

Giving Options:
  • $5 purchases a chick
  • $100 purchases 20 chicks
  • $1,000 provides 200 or more chicks and necessary supplies to a farmer working to rebuild.
  • $9,000 is the contribution to reestablish a chicken farm operation, generating income locally and feeding people in all parts of Iraq.
Help transform Iraq from a crucifixion into a resurrection story.
Ghazwan with his baby chicks
Interview with
Bishop Michael Lewis
Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf
I am really impressed by the way Stand With Iraqi Christians has begun small, has begun respectful, and it has begun in a way which really takes the best information that it can from good sources of orientation. I’m very impressed with the projects that have been started. It is wonderful to hear about the chicken farm initiative. But I suppose it is even more wonderful to hear that whatever further steps SWIC takes…it is going to do so considering what is good for the local people. Taking their counsel and the counsel of other people who can give a good opinion.

Fr. Chris’ approach wasn’t about coming from a far country and knowing best. Instead he respectfully asked what’s needed. He asked how not to just help but to be in partnership. That partnership approach, combined with that listening approach, is a rare and beautiful thing.
FARMS:
Signs of Hope in Northern Iraq
The Chicken Farm Initiative (CFI) is underway, and the first two farms are launched. Thanks to your generosity, two Iraqi farmers are now rebuilding their chicken farm businesses in Qaraqosh. Both of these farmers are very experienced in raising chickens. They have used the funds you provided to purchase chicks, fodder, medicine and veterinary services. These farmers are extremely grateful to SWIC for our support, are looking forward to providing for their families, and are committed to helping the other farmers and families in their communities also reconstitute their livelihoods. Let’s make these just the first two of many farms which we can help to re-establish. Your continued donations will make that a reality!
Pam Faber, Treasurer
Vincent Dixon: Capturing Images of Hope in Iraq
In October, Vincent was one of four SWIC missioners who visited Iraq. He exhibited his inspirational photos and video at St. David's in Wayne, PA, in March 2019. He captured the spirit of both the heartrending devastation of Mosul, and the exquisite beauty of St. Matthew’s monastery on the Nineveh Plains, dating from the 4 th century. Vincent and his art are crucial to SWIC’s commitment to growing the bond of friendship between people in the U.S. and our Iraqi neighbors.
 
All of Vincent’s photographs and videos give SWIC donors and volunteers a compelling view of what life is like in Iraq. Through his eyes we can experience the difference that SWIC projects — like helping to build a school, and rebuild chicken farms — can make in the lives of all those bringing forth new life in Baghdad and up on the Nineveh Plains.
Visit  www.StandWithIraqiChristians.org  to watch the new Chicken Farm video.

Click the red donate button to include chicks as part of your annual giving. You can make a world of difference that brings hope to the people of Iraq. 

You can also send a check to Stand With Iraqi Christians, 
400 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087. 
SWIC is a 501(c)(3) organization.