Northern Iraq is a land of contrasts. Beyond the headlines of war and ISIS atrocities lies a mountainous, green, and vibrant region called Kurdistan—a semi-autonomous area with a proud culture and a people who have long endured oppression. Here, Kayla Coons, Project Director of Light a Candle, and her family live as missionaries, bringing tangible aid, encouragement, and the message of Jesus to refugees and displaced communities.
A Calling That Began in Childhood
Kayla’s journey into missions didn’t start with a grand epiphany—it began in kindergarten. A chance encounter with a young missionary woman serving in Muslim-majority nations left an indelible mark. By age 12, Kayla was traveling annually to remote villages in Honduras, cultivating a passion for cross-cultural missions.
Access to Muslim nations was extremely limited twenty years ago, but by 2021, Kayla’s first trip to Jordan opened the door to sharing the gospel in informal, relational ways—chatting with taxi drivers, restaurant owners, and everyday people. That trip confirmed what she had long sensed: God was calling her to serve full-time in the Muslim world. Today, as Iraq Project Director for Light a Candle, Kayla and her family have settled in northern Iraq, fully committed to seeing transformation in a region scarred by violence and displacement.
Kurdistan: A Land and People of Resilience
Kurdistan’s history is steeped in hardship. From Saddam Hussein’s chemical warfare campaigns to decades of marginalization across the Middle East, the Kurdish people have survived through perseverance and faith. “We have no friends but the mountains,” is a phrase often repeated among Kurds—a testament to their resilience and reliance on one another.
Yet Kurdistan is not the arid desert many imagine. It is mountainous, green, and cold, with a culture proudly celebrating its language and traditions. Unlike Kurdish communities in Turkey or Syria, where expressions of Kurdish identity are often suppressed, northern Iraq offers an environment where the people’s heritage can flourish—and where missionaries like Kayla can engage meaningfully.
Mission Rooted in Isaiah 61
Isaiah 61 shapes Kayla’s vision: to bring freedom where there is oppression, to proclaim hope in the midst of despair. For Kurds and refugees, this vision resonates deeply. Many have known loss, trauma, and displacement, yet the gospel offers more than relief—it offers identity, restoration, and hope.
“Many people have prayed for years with no answer, but when they encounter Jesus in tangible ways—through healing, peace, or simply a listening ear—they are open to transformation,” Kayla explains. In a society where fear often dictates decisions, these moments of breakthrough are profound.
Women as Catalysts for Change
In Northern Iraq’s patriarchal society, women often bear the heaviest burdens. Many feel restricted to domestic roles, their personal value measured by cultural expectations rather than innate worth. Introducing these women to Jesus creates profound ripple effects. Women are frequently the first to embrace faith, influencing their children and sometimes their entire household.
“The story of the woman at the well resonates deeply here,” Kayla says. “Women see a Savior who loves without condemnation, who values them beyond societal roles.” In this way, the transformation of women becomes a powerful agent of generational change.
Confronting Fear and Cultural Barriers
Fear is the primary obstacle to faith in a region where social and familial repercussions can be severe. While Kurdistan’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, Islam is woven into every aspect of life—identity, clothing, rituals, and community expectations. Accepting Christ means taking a visible step that could lead to rejection, ostracism, or even violence.
Yet despite these challenges, Kayla sees bold faith emerging. Practical humanitarian aid—food distributions, medical clinics, winter supplies—is never transactional but a bridge to genuine relationship, demonstrating Christ’s love in action. A $30 food bag, for instance, can provide a family with an entire month of sustenance.
Living Missionally as a Family
Kayla’s children are not just bystanders—they are participants in the ministry. Their presence opens doors, breaks down barriers, and fosters relationships that adults alone often cannot. Through daily life on the field, Kayla’s family demonstrates that mission is not location-dependent; opportunities to serve, witness, and love exist everywhere, even in local communities back home.
Preparation and Training
Kayla’s effectiveness stems from years of preparation. From early mission trips to formal studies in Cultural Anthropology and Theology, she is equipped for cross-cultural ministry and sensitive gospel engagement. Additional resources like The Crescent Project and Christ Underground provide tools for reaching Muslim and minority populations, emphasizing the importance of training alongside the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
A Call to Action
Kayla encourages believers to start missions wherever God has placed them. Open hearts, practical service, and obedience can make an eternal difference. For those who wish to support the work in Iraq, financial contributions to Light a Candle’s Iraq General Fund enable consistent aid to widows, orphans, and displaced families. Even small gifts provide significant relief and tangible demonstrations of Christ’s love.
A Ministry of Holistic Transformation
Kayla Coons and Light a Candle embody a ministry that combines compassion, courage, and faith. In a land once dominated by fear and oppression, their work offers more than food and blankets—it offers hope, identity, and transformation. Through relational engagement, prayer, and cultural understanding, they illuminate the power of the gospel to change lives, one family at a time.
Watch the full episode and join us in supporting and praying for Kayla, her family, and the communities they serve in northern Iraq.
