GAP Testimonials
Read words from the changed hearts of GAP Team members who, after five weeks of comprehensive training, announced they were ready to reach Kurdish Iraq for Christ.
(names do not necessarily represent actual GAP members)
Angela
“This experience has taught me how to observe, how to see actions and words for how they pertain to a particular culture and perhaps mindset.
“The Kurds have found a new place in my heart because of their strength to endure when they are struck down over and over again. Living with them and hearing their stories has taught me a lot about being generous with what you have and to anyone who is in need.
“From the moment I stepped into their homes, I felt accepted as one of them.
"This training is so much more than a wealth of information, but an experience that will melt your heart and equip you in thought and action for the task of a cross cultural worker.”
Donna
“This has been a life-changing experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It has increased my faith, challenged me, and provided an environment for growth that is unlike anything I have ever experienced.
“I wish that everyone could go through this program! It gets you outside of yourself and thinking about others, while allowing room for amazing personal change. The wisdom imparted in the four weeks of training is invaluable. It feels like I had four years of college packed into four weeks.
“It has been amazing preparation for the field, and will be a key part of my life. Words cannot describe how meaningful this training has been. I keep being drawn back to the fact that it has changed my life and that is enough.”
Melissa
“This program has been a whirlwind experience. I have never been a part of something that is as completely hands on such as this. It engages you at every level and teaches you to become more aware of your current mindset, let it go and learn where you are going.”
Mark
“I have just had the experience of a lifetime. I have been immersed in a cultural and linguistic training course that focuses on preparing workers for the reality which they will encounter upon arrival overseas.
“I wanted to be as prepared as possible for this when I finally arrive… and now feel very-well equipped. All areas of cross-cultural work, which I can think of, have been addressed and tackled to a great degree.
“On top of the experience I received, [GAP training] helped me to develop a love for a people not my own. The Lord redeemed a people who are “not His people” to Himself and called them ‘his people.’ He loves them and us more than we could ever imagine and [Frontiers] helped me to realize this in a new and meaningful way."
Ron
“I highly recommend that anyone considering coming to [GAP training]… take advantage of this training. Beyond just meeting cool people on your team, you are given an opportunity to have your heart radically changed to love the target people group before you even get to the field.
“Living with my host mother, “Sharo,” (I now consider her a part of my family and I hers) gave me such a burden for her and her people. I love her and her family so much that I didn’t want to leave training.
“The Kurds are a tremendous people who have endured such opposition from sinful man simply because of the fact that they are Kurds. …the Kurds [have been] rejected by nearly everyone in the countries they live in.
“But [in training] we have the opportunity to show them a love they have never experienced. The love of our Lord has gone out to many people here, and the whole Kurdish community knows and respects this program because of the love that [GAP] participants have shown to their host families. And once one family has a good experience, the whole community knows.
“Do not let this opportunity pass. The training is difficult and you will be stretched in many different areas of your life (working as a team, spiritual disciplines, love and many more). But the rewards far outweigh the difficulties in the process.”
Ben
“I think more than anything else, this experience has taught me how to listen to people. Being placed in a situation in which you are unable to express your thoughts is a humbling and challenging one. When you listen to people – I mean really listen – then you learn a lot about them.
“Before I came here, I knew very little about the Kurdish people. Quite frankly, I wanted to go to Iraq, and the Kurds just happened to be there. Just by living with these amazing warm-hearted, generous, selfless people and listening to what they have to say, I’ve grown to love them dearly. I would urge you to come to this training with a deep desire to learn and listen.”