Posted by Paul Williams

A church family in the north of England shares its story as they begin to minister to Kurds. 

Kurdish men kiss. Greeting each other they offer a firm handshake followed by a cheek-to-cheek greeting; once, twice, three times depending on the friendship. It was 5 years ago that I crossed this cultural gap and this choice to accommodate to Kurdish greetings has led to other decisions that my church family and I have made so that Kurds might hear about Christ. 

My wife and I are part of a Church family in a northern city in the UK. Government policy has meant that many thousands of asylum seekers have been liberally placed in our city, even though it is far from their initial point of entry. The city prides itself on being a City of Sanctuary and local churches and community groups often partner together to provide vital services to the asylum seeker community. Kurds are the fourth largest immigrant population here, but with their restaurants, supermarkets and barbershops they have a much larger presence than the actual numbers would suggest.

Kurdistan is a nation that won’t be found on any map but is a reality for every Kurd you meet; they are a country waiting to be born. Coming from Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran the Kurds are from a Muslim background and as such have had few opportunities to hear about Christ. They are becoming increasingly secular, having no meaningful faith in Islam, due in part to the oppression they’ve experienced under their Muslim neighbours. Some have fled harsh conditions seeking refuge in the UK, whilst others would admit they are simply here to make a better life for themselves. That said life here is difficult for them; many asylum seekers are placed in areas of the city marked by crime, violence and deprivation but they have learnt to navigate British culture and these social problems.

Only now can I see the significance of accepting a Kurdish friend’s invitation to share some kebabs back in 2004. Naïve to God’s purposes for myself and our church family I took lunch with one of my English students; this first taste of Kurdish cuisine led to a habit of spending an afternoon a week in the room above the restaurant. It was great fun to be the only Brit in that upper room, its walls stained from cigarette smoke and tables sticky from hot, sweet tea. Being on their turf, on their terms was the first step in a journey that now involves my church and other churches that are working together to give Kurds the opportunity to hear about Christ.

But it was there in the most unassuming of places, tucked away among Kurdish friends that I learnt to play backgammon, to appreciate their desire for freedom, to speak of the hope that Christ offers…

… and how to kiss.

You can find out more about one church’s journey in their mission to Kurds over the next few weeks here on the Radstock blog. If you would like to connect with this church family then please email Katy Jones Parry at