From Struggle to Salvation: Testimonies of Triumph

Elie’s Story

Healing That Goes Beyond the Body

When 62-year-old Elie first came to Elpis Medical Center, his body was broken - and so was his spirit. Referred by the district governor, Elie was nearly homeless, battling epilepsy, diabetes, and multiple chronic conditions. Without access to medical care, he had grown bitter, angry, and increasingly isolated — even resenting those in his community who wouldn’t offer him help or work. When Elie reached out to our team, we welcomed him with open arms.

Thanks to the diagnostic equipment provided through the support of partners like you, we were able to give him a full evaluation: lab work, ultrasounds, ECG, echocardiogram, and an EEG - all free of charge. These tests were essential for adjusting his medications and stabilizing his condition. We also offered him what medicines we had on hand to ease his pain and improve his quality of life.

But what truly transformed Elie’s visit was the care he received for his heart. One of our team members, a pastor’s assistant, gently shared with him about the love of Jesus — the One who sees, who understands, and who redeems even the deepest wounds. Elie listened. He left with a New Testament, a Christian calendar with daily meditations, and an invitation to attend a local church gathering. We are praying for Elie - not only for healing in his body, but for healing in his soul. That he would know the Good Shepherd who never turns away the weary.

 Ahmed Sildar

A Story of God’s Blessing in Ministry

Ahmed is a man with special needs who recently gave his life to Christ through our ministry. As he began to grow spiritually, his sister also came to the Lord. While attending our local church, Ahmed shared his desire to serve and soon started coming early every Sunday to help set up chairs, distribute water, and prepare the space. The story took a new turn when Ahmed introduced us to a man named Mr. Sildar, who was struggling emotionally and financially. As we visited him, he opened his heart to the Gospel. Today, Mr. Sildar is part of our Bible study group and recently asked to be baptized. This ripple effect of transformation began with a simple act of faith by Ahmed—showing how one heart turned to Christ can become a beacon of light to others.

The Dying Father Who Found Christ

During one of our regular home visits, we met a family whose father was terminally ill. His physical condition was deteriorating, and he had little strength to speak. One of our evangelists gently shared about God’s eternal love and the hope of salvation. Though weak, the man was deeply moved and prayed with us to receive Christ. A few days later, he passed away. His family told us how peaceful his last moments were and how grateful they were that he found peace with God before he passed. This testimony reminded us why we press on—because even in the final hours, lives can be eternally changed.

The Story of Duaa

A Young Girl’s Life Transformed

Duaa is a 12-year-old girl from a struggling family in Baghdad. When she first visited the HOME clinic with her mother, she was quiet and withdrawn. Over time, she began to open up during follow-up visits. One of our female volunteers spent time with her, offering both emotional support and spiritual encouragement. During a later visit, Duaa asked for her own Bible. She now reads daily and even shares Bible stories with her younger siblings. Her mother has since started joining our prayer group and says, “This is not just a clinic—it’s a place where hearts are healed.” Duaa’s gentle transformation has touched everyone who knows her.

From Infertility to Faith

Hamid & Sozdar’s New Chapter

Hamid and Sozdar, a Syrian couple from Qamishli, came to Erbil with hopes of a better life and possibly emigrating. Despite the hardship and the deep heartache of infertility, they pressed on. One day, they heard about a free clinic hosted by HOME at the AOG Church and decided to go.

There, they met one of our evangelists who began following up with them regularly, offering prayer, encouragement, and the message of Christ. Eventually, they opened their home for weekly Bible studies. Every Tuesday, the couple now hosts spiritual gatherings where men and women study God’s Word together. Despite ongoing rejection from their extended families and the continued challenge of infertility, their faith has deepened. Hamid, in particular, has become a passionate helper - visiting others in need and spreading hope to those around him.

Finding Love in the Midst of a Tumor Diagnosis

Through a trusted contact, our team learned about an 11-year-old girl named Nora Jihad who had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her family was in deep financial distress - her father worked daily construction jobs, and the family lived in a modest one-room home. Our team visited the family and encouraged them to come to our clinic for support. While the clinic couldn’t provide the specialized care Nora needed, the family experienced something they hadn’t felt in a long time: care, compassion, and dignity. During the second visit, Nora’s father was so moved that he canceled work just to meet our team and express his gratitude. We spent time praying with the family and shared about God’s love and compassion. Just a few days later, Nora’s father called and asked for the church’s location. He and his family attended the service that Sunday and were welcomed by the congregation. The church has since taken on the role of following up with Nora’s family, extending love and spiritual support through the Body of Christ.

Prayer Opened the Door

A.T. Chooses Christ at Tabbaleh Clinic

A young man, A.T., came to the Tabbaleh Clinic in Damascus Syria with significant pain in both hips. Evaluation indicated avascular necrosis affecting both joints, a condition associated with alcohol addiction.

After Dr. Rev. E A. shared his personal testimony and presented the Gospel, A.T. welcomed prayer, asking God for help. In the clinic, he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was immediately connected with trusted brothers to begin discipleship lessons so he can grow in faith.

Imad

Hope Restored

During one of our mobile clinics in partnership with the local Baptist church in Erbil, visiting foreign doctors joined our team to offer compassionate care to the community. An elderly man named Imad came in for a consultation. At the end of his appointment, the doctor offered to pray with him. Overcome with emotion, Imad suddenly broke down in tears. When asked what was troubling him, he chose not to speak and quietly left. More than ten days later, the pastor of the Baptist church contacted our evangelist in Kurdistan and explained that Imad wanted to speak with the doctor. By then, however, the medical team had already returned to their home countries. Our evangelist obtained Imad’s address and phone number from the pastor and went to visit him personally. During their conversation, Imad shared that he had come to Erbil from Syria with his two sons, both of whom are married. After a few years, his sons received immigration papers and moved to Australia, but the documents for Imad and his wife were delayed. Over time, communication with his sons diminished. Feeling forgotten, elderly, and unable to work, Imad sank into despair—believing even God had abandoned him. He explained that the prayer he received at the clinic stirred something deep in his heart. In his words, it felt like God was telling him, “I still care about you.” That day, our evangelist prayed with him again and shared the message of Christ. Since then, Imad has been regularly attending the Baptist church.

Aram

You Are the First People to Knock on Our Door" — A Family Finds Peace in Baharka

Aram is originally from Qamishli, Syria, and now resides in the Baharka area near Erbil. His family was first introduced to us through a well-connected community member, who informed us that Aram’s wife was suffering from diabetes. Using the presence of our medical clinic in the Baharka camp as an opportunity, our evangelist in Kurdistan paid the family a visit. Upon arrival, it was clear that the family was facing a difficult financial situation. They lived in an unfinished home and had three young children. During the visit, our evangelist invited them to the clinic. The following week, Aram’s wife came with one of their children, and later, the family expressed heartfelt thanks for the warmth and respect they received from the medical team. This initial encounter led to a second visit. During that time, Aram opened up and shared their story. He had fled the war and forced military conscription, leaving behind his family of farmers. With his wife and children, he arrived in Erbil without contacts or employment. Since then, he has survived by doing daily construction work—carrying stones and sand to provide for his family. He told our evangelist, “You are the first people to knock on our door since we came here seven years ago.” At the close of that second visit, our evangelist asked if he could pray a blessing over their home. The family agreed, and he offered a prayer before departing. On the third visit, when asked how they were doing, Aram shared that he hadn’t felt such peace in a long time—like the peace he felt during that prayer. This moment opened a door for our evangelist to share the message of the Gospel, speaking about the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and His everlasting love. Aram listened attentively, visibly moved. He was then invited to church, and the following Sunday, Aram called to confirm the location and time of the service. He attended and was introduced to the church leaders who follow up with new believers. Since then, Aram and his family have become connected with the church community.

Refugee Camp Fire

Late, 2024, a massive fire broke out in the Harsham camp inside Erbil, destroying nine tents. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, but the affected families lost everything they owned in the fire. The next day, we visited the camp where the incident occurred, met with the families, and informed them about a free clinic where they could receive assistance. Despite their painful loss, the families were welcoming and grateful. One person even remarked that it felt as if ISIS had occupied them again. We took the time to pray with the families, asking God to compensate them for their loss and fill them with peace.

During our visit, one individual deeply appreciated our presence and began asking about Christianity, wondering why Christians were always the first to help. I shared with him about God’s love and explained that God is love. I then invited him to come to church to learn more. He responded, “God willing, I will come.” However, I did not expect him to come so soon. To my surprise, on Sunday, July 28, 2024, he was among the first to arrive at the church. He was incredibly excited and happy, and I pray that the Lord opens his eyes and leads him to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

Abu Sarah

Abu Sarah is a humble taxi driver who lives in a camp in Bahraka and is a regular beneficiary of the clinic. During our first visit to him, he asked a simple yet profound question: "There are many who profit from medicine, but you provide it for free with love. Why?" Our answer was simple: "We are Christians, and Christ calls us to love and serve everyone." His response was just as sincere: "I want to follow Christ." Today, a prayer meeting and Bible study in the Kurdish language are held in Abu Sarah’s home, led by Brother Suwara.

Sylivia

Sylvia is an elderly woman who came to the clinic seeking medicine. We got to know her and later visited her at her home in the Kazna area of Erbil. There, we discovered that she lives with her three daughters, without a breadwinner or any close relatives to support them. We immediately reached out to the Union Church so they could receive care through the women's ministry. Today, Sister Sylvia and her daughters are active members of the church and have opened their home for prayer and Bible study. Despite her illness and fatigue, she welcomes people into her home with happiness, joy, and gratitude.

Omar & Ali

Omar and Ali are brothers who visited the clinic only once, but God used that single visit as the beginning of their journey to salvation. Originally from Syria, they had abandoned their belief in God due to the hardships of war and the struggles of life. During our first visits, we prayed with them, and although they were shy, they did not object. However, one day, Ali told me not to pray or waste my energy because, in his words, "God does not exist, and if He does, He is unjust." He went on to explain how they had been mistreated and had fled their country, believing that following God had only brought suffering to their families. That day, we spent hours talking about God—whether He is merciful and what His true nature is. Omar was the one who asked the most questions about Christianity, admitting, "I have more of a problem with Islam than with God." After more than five visits, deep discussions, and many questions, Omar accepted the truth of God’s Word and opened his heart to the Savior. Shortly after, Ali also came to faith—not because of words alone, but because he witnessed the unconditional love of Christ and saw the transformation in his brother. Today, both Omar and Ali serve in ministry, visiting families and helping others in need.

Ahmad Abu Nour

A Muslim family from Sinjar, who migrated to Erbil in 2014, came to the clinic seeking treatment for their daughter, who suffers from weakness and a condition that causes epilepsy. Ahmed, the father, has three children: his eldest, Nour, who has a spinal deformity; his son, Abdullah; and his youngest, Hanin, who suffers from epilepsy. I first met them at the clinic, and over time, I visited them regularly and followed up on their situation. Our conversations were filled with deep questions—why had God afflicted them? Why had He allowed them to suffer? For your information, their mother had passed away. After many visits and prayers, Ahmed and Nour accepted the Lord as their personal Savior. They also opened their home for a Bible study group in the Baharka area, where they now study God’s Word alongside another brother in faith.

Delband

A Kurdish family from Baharka 2 camp, had a child with special needs. Through their frequent visits to the clinic and filling out the visit form, Brother Suwara and I visited them, His father was outraged because the physical therapy of his son was costly. We made a contact with a believer Brazilian physical therapist, she received the child and treated him. His condition began to improve. During the second visit, he said that no one helped him, but we were the only ones. We shared that this was because of God’s unconditional love for us. They started to attend the Presbyterian Church in Ankawa. Now, Shawan (Delband’s father) and the whole family are regularly attending the Presbyterian Church.