As the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey mounts, SIM’s workers in the region are helping mobilise aid to the affected region.
The tragic earthquake struck in the middle of the night on February 6 and was followed by many tremors and a second quake several hours later. The epicentre lies close to Turkey’s border with Syria and communities in both countries were devastated.
While Turkey is the focus of much media reporting, the situation in northern Syria is equally horrific, especially as infrastructure and resources are already weak after more than a decade of conflict and sanctions.
As the death toll passes 25,000, with many thousands more left injured or homeless in the middle of winter, many buildings are unsafe or too badly damaged to be used.
To raise relief funds for those affected, friends of SIM at the International Turkey Network (ITN), an advocacy and partnering network for advancing the kingdom of God in Turkey, have set up a giving page, through Antioch Network (US), accessible via this link: https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/AntiochNetworkInc/Earthquake
An ITN spokesperson confirmed that funds given through this Antioch Network portal will go directly to trusted partners, including Turkish humanitarian organisation First Hope Association (https://ilkumutdernegi.org/en/) and the Kurtulus church.
We encourage you to pray for those affected by the tragedy and those working to find and help survivors, in both Turkey and Syria. Our colleagues and partners in the region are asking that we pray:
• The Lord will comfort all who mourn.
• Faced with overwhelming needs, local authorities, NGOs, and faith-based organisations, will respond in ways that prioritise those most in need.
• Help will quickly reach those needing shelter, food and other essential support.
• Winter storms will clear so that aid provision is not hampered.
• Christians in affected areas will stand strong in faith and hold out the hope of Christ.
• This great shaking will prompt many to acknowledge God’s great power and the great frailty of human beings, and respond to the gracious offer of security in Jesus.