Irfan Monthir Abdullatif

Irfan Abdullatif June 28, 1978 – November 2, 2025 Irfan Abdullatif, 47, of Macomb Township, Michigan, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 2, 2025. His passing was unexpected and came while he was doing what he loved most—representing Light of Life International in local churches and sharing the hope found only in Christ. Born on June 28, 1978, in Iraq, Irfan’s life was a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel. The son of Monthir and Sohad Abdullatif, Irfan was born into a devout Muslim family. His father’s courageous conversion to Christianity and commitment to planting churches among Arabic-speaking people would profoundly shape Irfan’s own calling. After immigrating to the United States, the Abdullatif family settled in the Metro Detroit area, where Irfan’s father ministered faithfully among Arabic communities. Irfan graduated from Antioch Baptist Academy in Warren, Michigan, in 1996, and went on to earn a degree in Church Ministries from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in 2001. His education deepened his love for Scripture and equipped him for a lifetime of gospel ministry. Following his father’s passing in 2011, Irfan prayerfully took up the mantle of ministry, becoming the director of Light of Life International, an organization dedicated to reaching the Middle East by training and supporting indigenous pastors and church planters. Under his leadership, Light of Life continued to expand its work across the region - equipping national believers, caring for refugees, and strengthening persecuted Christians. His heartbeat was simple yet bold: “Take the Bible back to the Middle East.” Irfan was a gifted communicator and master storyteller, known for his ability to make Scripture come alive. Whether preaching in churches across America or encouraging pastors in Iraq and Egypt, his passion for Jesus was unmistakable. He frequently traveled overseas to visit national pastors and their congregations - trips that were always the highlight of his year. Those who knew Irfan will remember his humor, his love for laughter, and his well-timed practical jokes. He had a contagious joy and often used social media to blend humor with deep spiritual insight about the needs of the Middle East. A devoted Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Lions fan, Irfan especially loved to tease his friends who cheered for “that other team” in Ohio. Though Irfan never married, he found family in the body of Christ. In one of his final social media posts, he wrote, “For me, believers aren’t just friends; they really are my family.” When he wasn’t traveling, he worshiped with his church family at Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township, finding encouragement and belonging among dear friends. Irfan is preceded in death by his sister, Eman, and parents, Monthir and Sohad Abdullatif. He is survived by his extended family of believers and countless brothers and sisters in Christ around the world whose lives were touched by his ministry and friendship. A celebration of Irfan’s life and ministry will be held on Sunday, November 9th, visitation from 2:00pm-3:00pm with a 3:00pm service at Woodside Bible Church (Warren Campus) in Warren, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Light of Life International, continuing the mission Irfan so faithfully carried forward—to bring Christ’s love to the poor, the forgotten, and the despised by planting churches through local leaders in the Middle East.

Irfan Monthir Abdullatif

June 28, 1978 - November 2, 2025