The Story of Farah
I have been a part of AWT since 2019, and this journey has been nothing short of transformative, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. As a leader in the women’s ministry at Good Shepherd Church in Erbil, I have experienced growth in ways I never imagined. AWT has equipped me not only to serve others but also to discover my own potential and purpose. Through every workshop, conference, and training, I have learned that leadership is not just about guiding others, it is about being transformed yourself so you can lift those around you.
My journey began at the network conference, From Pain to Hope, in 2019. That experience changed everything. I remember sitting in that room, absorbing the teachings, and feeling God speak directly to my heart. I realized that my pain and the struggles of those around me could be transformed into strength, hope, and leadership. The atmosphere was alive with encouragement, testimonies, and the undeniable presence of God moving among us. I left the conference inspired and determined to share the message of salvation and empowerment with the women in my community. Just a few months later, in April 2020, I organized a conference in Qaraqosh, Iraq, where I shared these teachings with 50 women. Seeing their eyes light up with hope, witnessing their hearts soften to God’s truth, and hearing their testimonies of realization and encouragement confirmed that God could use me to touch lives in tangible ways.
Motivated to grow further, I joined the Nouara program in 2020. Completing all its requirements was a challenge, but it equipped me to lead more effectively. I facilitated a session on the Wheel of Life for the women in my church, helping them gain clarity on their goals, balance, and personal growth. Watching them identify strengths they hadn’t recognized and celebrating their own potential was inspiring. It reminded me that leadership is a shared journey, when one woman rises, she carries others along with her.
Determined to expand my impact, I attended the Authentic Leadership conference in Amman. There, I submitted my leadership and development plans, fully committed to creating a positive and lasting impact on women in my community. The conference challenged me to think strategically, develop actionable plans, and embrace leadership as a calling to serve. I began to see leadership as more than a role; it was a ministry of love, compassion, and empowerment.
One of the challenges I faced was that many women in my church had limited internet access, preventing them from participating in online courses like True Identity in Christ. I refused to let that stop me. I organized a two-day in-person training session, sharing the teachings directly and ensuring every woman could benefit. Witnessing them embrace their identity in Christ, step into confidence, and encourage one another was one of the most fulfilling and spiritually moving experiences of my life. It taught me that creative solutions and persistent dedication can overcome even practical barriers.
Throughout this journey, I have actively sought every opportunity for growth, workshops, trainings, conferences, because I know that personal growth fuels the growth of those I serve. AWT has become a family to me, guiding, encouraging, and empowering me to reach further than I could have alone. I have also learned the value of mentorship, teamwork, and accountability, modeling what I have learned for younger women in my church so that they too can rise in confidence, faith, and leadership.
Today, I am honored to serve as an AWT ambassador in Erbil, walking alongside women as they discover their potential, their worth, and God’s love for them. My story is a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and personal transformation. Through AWT, I have learned that when one woman rises, she can lift others with her. I continue to see God’s hand in every step, and I am committed to inspiring and empowering women, creating a ripple effect of hope, strength, and transformation throughout Erbil and beyond.