Update from Tim & Sarah Buxton | Summer 2016
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Life On The Frontline

There are just so many ways to describe our life in Kurdistan, but "dull" is definitely not one of them. Ever since we moved to the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq a little over two years ago, we have experienced some the most enriching times of our lives. Sure we have had our fair share of challenges, but nothing like the challenges endured by the incredibly resilient people we find ourselves serving and living amongst.

We are back in the thick of the action after taking a break in the US this summer visiting family and friends. We also traveled quite a bit, raising awareness and support for the work we are involved with here in Iraq.

Now, with the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS looming and the anticipation that a further one million people will be displaced, there is a real sense that we are living on the frontline. We are more convinced than ever that God has placed us here to respond and serve those in need through shelter, education and holistic care.

We have lots to share in this Summer 2016 edition of the flickerflame eNewsletter, and some exciting ways you can get involved. Also, we have a new flickerflame.org website and blog with the latest updates and images of our life and work in Kurdistan.

Enjoy and thanks for journeying with us... Tim, Sarah, Elliana, Charlie & Lily xoxox

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New Refugee School Nears Completion

We are now just weeks away from completing construction on our new school for refugee children. Once complete it will have 10 fully furnished classrooms, a teachers room and a multipurpose ground floor - A whopping total of 16,000 square feet!

That means at current capacity we will be able to provide education for 600 children with the potential for expanding the number of classrooms. Why? Because the number of displaced kids that are likely to enter our region is bound to increase with the impending fall of Mosul.

Exterior cement plastering is almost complete... up next, install windows, doors, and tile work inside the school.

A couple weeks ago we had the craziest time sizing up the children with their new school uniforms. With hopes to formalize our school curriculum and provide grade specific education, we decided that these kids need to look the part too. You should have seen how excited and proud they were as they got kitted up in their new school digs.

One happy boy getting his new uniform for the upcoming school year. If you would like to sponsor the education of a child like Muhammad Ali (pictured above) simply click here.

While we are at fever pitch in our efforts to open for the beginning of the school year, which is on October 1, we just need $75,000 to cover the costs for the building and ensure we can operate the school debt free. Will you partner with us and build a school for refugees? Click on the link below to join our "Buy A Brick" campaign.

BUY A BRICK & BUILD A SCHOOL FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN

These are just some of the wonderful kids you can build a school for and put back in the classroom where they belong! To Learn more click here.

The Church That Stands Over Mosul

Built in 361AD, Mar Mattai Monastery still stands unshakably crafted into the side of Mount Alfaf overlooking the city of Mosul. It was an incredible honor to visit there again and spend time with Bishop Musa (Moses).

In the midst of all the chaos this Christian monastery has stood as a testimony of hope and refuge on the frontline.

After learning about the history and heart of the church, we were graced with a tour inside the inner sanctuary and treated with a reading from the book of Matthew in both Greek and Aramaic.

Although the number of monks and priests living at the monastery have decreased because of recent hostilities, there are dozens of Christian families that were forced to flee from Mosul that have found refuge within its walls.

Standing With Peshmerga On The Frontline

With the battle for Mosul looming we took the opportunity to visit the frontline with some of our neighbors fighting there. Peering over the bunkers the city of Mosul lay in the Tigris river valley below us. The size of the city was staggering, and it made one think of the hundreds of thousands that dwell there waiting in anxiety for their world to be thrown to oblivion.

Ringed around the city are large hills to the north, the south, and the west with thousands of troops training their guns for the 'final battle' all aimed at bringing the Islamic Caliphate to an end in Iraq.

Many are predicting that one million will be displaced from Mosul seeking refuge in the surrounding cities and towns. Our prayer is that the battle will be swift and decisive in defeating ISIS and that those displaced will find shelter, food and medical care they will so desperately need.

We will be sure to let you know about opportunities to provide emergency relief on the frontline in the coming weeks.

Bob Goff Returns With Love Does Friends

It was such a treat to have Bob Goff and the Love Does team visit with us. Not only has Bob been an incredible supporter of our School for Refugees, he has always instilled in us a fresh passion to love and serve those around us.

Bob is one of those larger-than-life people whose contagious joy and energy has inspired people all around the world to dream bigger and trust God to do the extraordinary through their lives. If you haven't already read his book, Love Does, you'll want to pick it up right away.

During his whirlwind visit we managed to pack a lot into a few days, visiting our micro-camps, new refugee school, the frontlines, and spent time meeting with Christian & Yazidi spiritual leaders in their ancient heartland.

Summer Break in New York

After hitting the two year landmark in Iraq we took our first extended trip home to New York to spend time with family and raise support for the work that we are doing.

Hands down, the most memorable moments were spending time with all the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma & poppy... Oh, and we were even able to celebrate Great Grandma's birthday with her!

Many thanks to everyone that took such good care of us - feeding us, lending us cars and giving up their beds for us to sleep in. Also, a special thanks to the many churches that gave us the opportunity to share about our life and work in Kurdistan. You all know who you are - we love you and miss you all dearly!

Homeschool Has Begun With Ingrid

School has officially begun in the Buxton home. I'm so proud of my amazing wife who has worked so hard to put together an incredible learning environment for our kids here in Kurdistan.

We are also excited to have Ingrid (pictured below) with us from Norway who will be helping Sarah teach the children this year and volunteering at the new school for refugees and visiting the families at the micro-camps.

New Website And A New Way To Give

I'm super excited to share our newly revamped website flickerflame.org, home of our blog and all the latest updates from our family and work her in Iraq.

You'll also find plenty of info about the Kurdish people, our work through The Refuge Initiative, and the many ways you can get involved. And for those wishing to support our family financially, there is a new place to donate. To give simply click on the link below.

We are volunteers who receive no salary or fixed income. We are able to serve in Iraq because of the monthly support of friends and partners from all around the world. If you would like to give financially to our family, please CLICK HERE.

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