$10,000 in OGHS Emergency Relief Funds to Turkey and Syria; More Help Urgently Needed
International Ministries (IM) has sent initial grants totaling $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency relief to partners who will be providing humanitarian relief to the survivors of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The European Baptist Federation will receive $9,000 and Turkish Connections International will receive $1,000.
Monday’s 7.8 magnitude quake was followed hours later by a second one almost as powerful, that toppled thousands of buildings including hospitals, schools, and apartment blocks. The area affected is enormous. Turkish officials estimate that 13.5 million people were affected in an area spanning 10 provinces and roughly 280 miles. Syrian officials have reported deaths 155 miles from the epicenter. To date, it is known that more than 17,000 people were killed according to CNN; the death toll is likely to rise considerably. Tens of thousands more have been injured or left homeless. There is particular concern about the situation in Syria, already afflicted by a humanitarian crisis after nearly 12 years of civil war.
Rev. Charles Jones, IM senior area director for Europe, the Middle East and Liberia, requests that we “lift up in prayer the suffering people of Turkey and Syria—those who have lost loved ones, those who are still missing, those who have been injured, those still in shock from the earthquakes and ongoing aftershocks. Pray also for endurance for rescue workers, and long-term commitment for all organizations now working to bring God’s mercy, hope, and love to this part of our world in need.”
International Ministries does not have any residential global servants in either Turkey or Syria.
“We know that what is unfolding today will reveal tremendous loss and tremendous need,” says IM World Relief Officer Lisa Rothenberger. “Your generosity will provide for prolonged humanitarian assistance.”
Initial relief will provide basic provisions—food, shelter, medicine, and hygiene items. International Ministries will coordinate with the European Baptist Federation and our partners in this region that have the capacity to provide humanitarian aid.