Erbil, Iraq - 2018

A couple of months ago, Operation HOPE took another trip to Iraq and brought along one of our dear frieds and supporters, Asher George. Asher was able to assist Dr. Thomas throughout the trip as well as shoot some fantastic photos of the entire experience. Below is a brief recap of the trip from Asher's Perspective.

I had the opportunity to visit the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq for the second time! I saw first-hand what it looked like for the members of our team to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Many on our team came from all over the United States and offered sound advice about surgery, medicine, and pharmaceutical know-how to our Kurdish friends. 

I had the opportunity to assist in and observe many of the surgeries and patient consultations that the members of our team conducted. We also had the privilege to distribute the donations of blankets, clothes, and shoes to the children of Syrian Refugees living in the Kurdistan Region. Such an event would not have occurred without the generosity of those in Lubbock and West Texas, and seeing the smiles on the faces of the children made this worthwhile! To finish our trip, our team hosted a medical symposium to educate the Kurdish medical personnel about current updates in medicine. 

Operation HOPE has made a positive impact on the health system throughout the Kurdistan Region and many in the region appreciate the influence of Dr. John Thomas. Dr. Thomas continues to provide for the improvement of the health system in the region through his yearly trips, and his willingness to take me shows that the mission does not end with Him. God has commissioned us to go into the all the world and make disciples of all nations, and I hope to continue my function as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in Lubbock, West Texas, and to the ends of the earth!

To see images from the trip, CLICK HERE!