Eden Village
It takes a village to raise children well. The same is true of raising spiritual children. They must have a peaceful place to develop well, free of persecution.
In 2005 Christians in Baghdad, Iraq suffered violent persecution from extremist Muslims. Christians from around the world donated money to build a new village for them in a rural place on the Tigris River in Northern Iraq’s safe and autonomous Kurdistan Region. They built 40 houses, a community center, a small elementary school, and a church building.
Most of the Christians who moved there from Baghdad later migrated to Europe, Australia and America with their leaders. Then Yezidis sought refuge in Eden in 2014 when ISIS attacked their homes in the far away Sinjar district of Nineveh Province. The Yezidis then returned to Sinjar after ISIS was defeated.
Only 5 Christian families were left in the village when MedEast came in 2021 to renovate the dilapidated buildings and gardens. ICM in America fully supported the repair work on 7 houses, school and community center/church.
In May 2023 Christians from Northeast India living on the border with China were victims of violent persecution by Hindus. Churches were burned and tens of thousands fled their homes. MedEast resolved to bring one family from India to Eden, hoping to prepare a pathway for other persecuted Christians to follow. That project is ongoing.
Other Christians, including converts, who are persecuted by Muslims and Yezidis in Iraq, living in unsafe areas, will also be given refuge in Eden if funding is provided.
Newcomers receive free housing and utilities, and learn how to make soap, candles, glass bottle crafts, and other crafts. They grow potted flowers, dragon fruit, grapes, and vegetables too. Moreover, some learn how to raise animals and farm fish.
These activities give them an income to cover expenses. Donations also help them meet their needs.
Eden Village
School, Garden of Eden, Tigris/Hiddekel River
