Tangible Hope in Turkey

Within hours of the first earthquake on the morning of 6th February, churches had mobilised and were on site, ready to help. Where official aid had not been able to reach, churches were the first to arrive with mobile kitchens, tents, and tangible hope.

There are churches and fellowships in eight of the ten affected provinces. Alongside believers who travelled across the country to the earthquake region, they have been able to serve their neighbours who have lost family and friends, homes and businesses.

In the first week, 40 volunteers from OM partners arrived to help, that has quickly increased to more than 300. Many are working 12- or 15hour shifts every day, for weeks at a time, serving meals or distributing aid. The overwhelming impression is the same: despair, sorrow, poverty and frustration permeate the atmosphere... It is clear that the effects of the earthquake will not disappear in an instant.

“But we are confident that even in this catastrophe our God will show His good works and pour out His miracles and grace on our people,” Shares the Board Chair, Churches Together across Turkey, a voice of hope amidst the despair. “Our greatest prayer is that God's mercy and love will be seen in action in this land.”

A Unique Love

I announce my arrival, tentatively peeking into the tent through a canvas door hooked open. Burca*, a fellow Jesus follower who is part of the local church, welcomes me warmly, taking the food parcel with heartfelt gratitude. She introduces me to her husband, Ahmet*, who is Muslim.

We sit and talk, and I gauge a little of their extensive grief and trauma. But amidst the heaviness Burca naturally injects the conversation with hope, as she speaks of the support she’s had from her church. Unexpectedly, Ahmet echoes his appreciation, “I have never seen so much love between people,” he shares, “there is truly a brotherly love that is in Christ that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Your gifts have…

1800 given shelter to more than

7000 fed

2200 clothed people people people

Thank you for your prayers and financial support, which are bringing tangible hope to people in both Turkey and Syria. To find out more about our Mercy Appeal please visit uk.om.org/mercy.