From Iraq to Jordan to Australia

A young woman named Angelina just graduated from high school in Australia. For us, that moment represents so much more than a graduation.

Forced to flee

In 2012, Angelina and her dad, Yousif, were forced to flee their home in Iraq after his work placed his life in danger. They eventually made their way to Jordan, where they spent about six years as refugees.

Where our paths crossed

That is where we met them. During those years, we had the privilege of walking alongside Yousif and Angelina, helping meet practical needs and simply being present during an incredibly uncertain season.

Over time, Yousif became much more than someone we were helping. He became someone we could count on. He served faithfully alongside us and became an important part of the ministry in Jordan.

Yousif came to faith and was baptized in the Jordan River. A rainbow stretched across the sky that day, and Yousif truly believed it was God’s gift to him and his daughter.

A long season of waiting

For years, Yousif kept searching for a place where he could finally build a life and raise his daughter in safety. There were no easy answers, and there was a lot of waiting. Then, at the end of 2018, God opened the door for Yousif and Angelina to move to Australia and begin a new chapter.

Seeds still bearing fruit

A father and daughter forced to flee their home. Years spent waiting and wondering what the future would hold. A father coming to faith and faithfully serving others. And now, on the other side of the world, that same little girl standing as a high school graduate.

We do not always get to see what God is doing in the moment. Sometimes the fruit of ministry shows up years later, in places we never could have imagined.

We are deeply thankful that God allowed our lives to intersect with Yousif and Angelina, and we praise Him for the way He has continued to lead and provide for them.

Seeds planted many years ago are still bearing fruit today.