on religious and ethnic minorities in Kurdistan by the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Goals of IPARK:
IPARK’s current plans and goals primarily revolve with working with Kurdish churches, mosques and other religious groups within Kurdistan and primarily within Erbil. In particular, the Kurdish churches within Erbil have faced a massive influx of Christian refugees from Mosul, Qaraqosh and the surrounding areas. While they have received some assistance in providing these refugees with the basic necessities, more help is desperately needed in order to insure that all basic needs are met. However it is important to note that Refuge and Revival is an interfaith organization and will be also focusing on the other religious groups that have been forced out by ISIS especially the Yazidis which have been particularly targeted by IS and are facing persecution on mass by the insurgents due to having been historically seen as “devil worshipers”. This particular minority groups is in absolute need of assistance and their plight cannot be ignored any longer. IPARK hopes to not only provide them with ways of fulfilling their physical needs but hopes of addressing any medical, emotional or psychological trauma that has occurred through the course of the previous months. While we acknowledge that we are not the only aid group in the region and that many churches may have missionaries already located in the region, we wish to address the concern that many of these aid groups are focusing primarily on the Christian refugee population and not acknowledging the plight of the other minority groups as they should be. Our mission is to teach religious coexistence to the indigenous peoples of the area and to help them develop towards peace and freedom. We are not affiliated with any religious institution or political party. Our main goal is not converting people from one religion to other or interfering with anyone’s religion; rather, to teach religious coexistence and peace. We also are a primarily grassroots organization working with the indigenous churches and designated government institutions in the region. Foreign direct intervention may later create dependence on foreign aid which could harm Kurdistan’s potential for independence. How you can help:
Donations and any sort of aid would be greatly appreciated. We also have a program to send over any volunteers to Kurdistan to put their skills into developing life in Kurdistan towards an equal democratic society. Currently one of the founders is located in Brazil until mid-September and will be able to provide further information in regards to the situation or for anyone wishing to donate to the organization. Our policy is clarity of goal and transparency of plans. Every donation received will be accounted for on our official website (coming soon) for everyone to see. Plans on how to spend the money will be posted along with eventual implication of aid programs and how donations were spent. We welcome volunteers to help us grow and help Kurdistan see the freedom it deserves. Your contributions, support, suggestions and even prayers of success are appreciated. Banking information along with other details will be available as soon as possible. This organization could change its statement of purpose, organizational structure, plans and policy at any time, but only for the purpose of improving human life anywhere we operate.
