CBF focuses relief efforts on Iraqi residents

ATLANTA — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) shifted its focus for post-war ministry in Iraq from refugees to meeting immediate needs as well as long-term infrastructure needs of the population within Iraq. CBF is also preparing to restart ministry among the Kurds in northern Iraq that was previously suspended due to the military campaign. CBF workers are positioning themselves to enter the country in the near future, once security and logistical hurdles are handled.

So far, CBF has channeled more than $40,000 from churches, individuals and existing CBF relief funds toward relief efforts in Iraq. About $10,000 has been spent on medicine, food, shelter and clothing for those who fled their homes seeking refuge in the mountains of northeastern Iraq.

An additional $30,000 has gone to a consortium of relief groups, including World Concern, Venture International and Food for the Hungry, to distribute food and non-food items such as school kits, clothes and shoes to an estimated 20,000 families in the cities of Iraq.

CBF churches and individuals have also been contributing gifts in kind such as hygiene kits and school supplies to CBF partner agencies.