A few days ago I spent the day with good friends and Peshmerga (Kurdish Military) on the frontline. These brave men are protecting us all from the threat of ISIS and make it possible for us to be here serving those in need through The Refuge Initiative.

We also took the chance to explore a 4th Century Monastery just 15 minutes up the road. Mar Mattai Monastery is located atop Mount Alfaf and is 20km from Mosul. It is recognized as one of the oldest Christian Monasteries in existence. It was an incredible experience to visit and also very sobering to think of the thousands that have lost their lives in villages and towns that can be seen standing in front it’s mountain top lookout… All because of ISIS.