[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”114780″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]03/10/2020 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – Prior to the invasion of ISIS, the predominantly Christian city of Qeraqosh was a hub for agriculture, particularly chicken farming. However, when ISIS swept in, they ransacked countless farms across the region, often using the land for lookout points. In doing so, they effectively ruined Qeraqosh’s economy.
Ghazwan has decades of experience raising chickens. In 2014, just prior to the ISIS invasion, Ghazwan decided to start up his own farm in order to spend more time with his family. However, this idyllic dream was cut short when his family was forced to flee. During his time as a refugee, Ghazwan worked hard to scrape together enough money to hopefully rebuild his farm one day.
Again, his dream was overturned when his daughter suffered a severe car accident. Thankfully, she miraculously survived, but the medical expenses took much of the family’s savings. Adding insult to injury, although Qeraqosh was now safe to return to, Ghazwan learned that his house had been destroyed, leaving no savings for him to rebuild the farm.
In order to help this family rebuild, ICC partnered with Stand With Iraqi Christians to purchase chicks, fodder, and other farming equipment. This assistance lifted some of the initial financial burden required for Ghazwan to rebuild, while giving him a means to provide for his family long-term on his own.
Since rebuilding his farm last year, Ghazwan has already raised and sold his first round of chickens—approximately 3,500 birds—and has begun raising the next flock.
Not only does this farm support Ghazwan and his family, it also sparks life back into Qeraqosh. By rebuilding the farms that were once the backbone of Qeraqosh’s economy, we hope to restore this city to the thriving community that it once was.
To read more stories like this, sign up for ICC’s free monthly magazine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
