Saturday, 11 April 2009

Today I spent a couple of hours, or so, with two of my former students: Josef and Aged. Aged's name is pronounced "Ageed." He is the young Kurd in the picture here with me that I have attached.
Josef is the young Assyrian Christian whom I met two years ago in my Class at the Kurdish American School.

I had asked if all were of the Muslim religion, and Josef stood and said, "I am Christian, Mister Charliss!"

We had walked up the street here in Dohuk to the Sarkey's Italiano Pizza Cafe' and therehad some good pizza. We talked and visited about the current "conditions" throughout Iraq,more especially Kurdistan. That's the part of Iraq
that exists from about Sulaymaniya on the Eastern border side, touching Iran, and just North of Baghdad to the Northern border which connects with Turkey.Of course, history will reveal that many years ago Kurdistan encompassed a much larger territory ~ extending from parts of Iran, and all across Iraq into a part of Syria, and Northward into Southeastern Turkey and including Armenia.

Kurdistan is of great concern to me because of its people ~ the Kurds. The "roots" of the Kurds, for sure, extend back to and include the Medes ~ well-known for their full participation with, and inclusiveness of, the vastly powerful and populated Medo-Persian empire. Always a "warrior," and a protector of his own, the Modern-day Kurd is of no difference.

The Old Testament prophet, Daniel, foresaw this "empire" rising when he, by the Spirit, prophesied very eloquently of the "Beasts" rising "out of the sea of peoples." You can read about it in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament. It's the story of the four Beasts in the seventh Chapter.

I guess you could say that I love the Kurds because I know that God's Hand has been upon them in the past, and for some reason, or another, I believe that His Hand is yet truly upon them for a very 'unique' purpose ~ known only to Almighty God. I DO "feel" that in my spirit, and I think that God has 'confirmed' it to me several times before now.

Time and time again, rulers and dictators have tried to "wipe them out," but all have failed. Saddam literally "HATED the Kurds with passion!" He murdered them through various means, gassed them with chemicals, and dug huge trenches in the earth for them to be 'buried alive' ~ just shoved over into the mass graves with clothes, belongings and all, to try his best to "get rid of them!" He wanted them gone!!

Saddam failed!! And now ~ He is gone! Thanks to God for that!

But now, there is a New generation of Kurds arising ~ one that has No fears, and one that is confident, honest and trustworthy. This "new generation" of Kurds loves America, and all Americans. And, I for one, will never hesitate to express my love and appreciation to the them, for I have looked into his eyes and I see passion, and truth and honesty; I see a 'Love' for me, and thankfulness to a simple man who just wants to take some time out of his schedule, away from his family and friends, and who wants to "share" with them some of the Love from an awesome God and Father Who is looking down on them with immense power, love and grace. That's what "Passing the Torch" is all about!

And, when I leave Kurdistan this time in May, I will leave this copy of my 'Torch' with Aged who loves me a a father, and as a 'brother,' and I just have a feeling that He will read every last word of it and remember the one who passed it on to him.

You ask, "Can human nature be changed?" And, with a resounding answer, I say, "Absolutely!!" You are looking at an older gentleman, standing there with a young Kurdi, whose life and nature has been totally 'transformed' by the awesome love of a great God, and Creator of the universe. I will never be the same!

Don't You think God's grace is Amazing?


In Him,

Charles Lingerfelt, Founding Co-Director/Teacher
Kurdish American School
Dohuk, Kurdistan- Northern Iraq
"Still Trying to Make a Difference"
972.286.0606- Home/Office
972.400.2898- Mobile