Support the Victims of the Earthquake in Turkey and Syria
On February 6, 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, killing over 25,000 people and injuring at least 80,000 others. The deadly earthquake has affected almost 26 million people. The survivors of the quake, survivors of the families of the survivors, and the people of the affected area, are now facing a difficult recovery process, with many facing the consequences of such a devastating disaster. 12 years of civil war have already ravaged Syria making a difficult situation even more challenging.
The earthquake’s greatest impact occurred in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. Centered on the province of Kahramanmaras in southeastern Turkey, the powerful earthquake was felt as far away as Cairo and Beirut. It has been the highest magnitude earthquake recorded in Turkey since 1939.
Pray for the people of Turkey and Syria, that God will meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those believers that follow Him. Pray for strength and endurance for those seeking to rescue and recover the many thousands of people trapped in the rubble.
There are many ministries and organizations that are involved in bringing aid to the people of Turkey and Syria. We certainly want to donate to those that are involved there directly so that our dollars will be used most effectively.
Ways to Help
MinistryWatch is a website that provides a Donor Confidence Score, a Financial Efficiency Rating, and a Transparency Grade to help assess which ministries are well run and those that are not. They also include an assessment of some of the ministries that are raising funds for Turkey and Syrian relief. You can find more information here.
Below are some recommendations that Pastor John and Session are recom-mending for organizations you can donate to:
- Evangelical Presbyterian Churches
- Samaritan’s Purse
- World Vision
- Global Hope Network International
- Medical Teams International
The need is great, and the need will be there for a long time. I encourage you to help in ways you can!
Warmly in Christ,
Pastor John
Evangelical Presbyterian Church
The EPC has a global worker couple in one of the affected countries, north of the devastated region. They are exploring avenues of relief, including setting up volunteer teams. They also have a World Outreach partner with contacts in Syria.
“I have received many phone calls and emails asking how the EPC was helping with this disaster,” de Guia said. “I am grateful for how God’s love is so evident in our people that they want to help people who are hurting in ways most of cannot imagine.”
Gabriel de Guia, Executive Director of World Outreach
Donations to the EPC’s International Disaster Relief Fund will be directed toward earthquake aid efforts. You can make secure online donations at www.epc.org/donate/internationaldisasterrelief, which also includes instructions for donating by check and text-to-give.
Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief is providing ministry there as well. They specialize in meeting critical needs for victims of conflict, disaster, famine, and epidemics throughout the world, often working through ministry partners on the ground. They provide food, water, shelter, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ.
World Vision
World Vision is responding by providing life-saving support with access to temporary shelters, heaters, clean water, non-food items, and critically needed healthcare. We’re also providing care for vulnerable children separated from their families amid the turmoil.
Global Hope Network International
Another ministry working directly in Turkey that Ken Brayton has connections with is Global Hope Network International.
The vision of Global Hope Network International (GHNI) is to bring Help and Hope to the most vulnerable people and least-reached places that are often overlooked by the rest of the world.
Medical Teams International
Delivering life-saving medical care to people in crisis, the staff and volunteers of Medical Teams International work in places of turmoil, disease, and natural disaster – to save lives and leave communities healthier.
