Dear Friends,
I am writing to update you on the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey earlier this month. According to the latest report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the earthquake has had a profound impact on the region, with 9.1 million people directly affected, 44,000 people killed, and 108,000 people injured. Additionally, 2.2 million people have been displaced, and 1.9 million people are currently living in temporary shelters.
As the situation remains dire, we will be closing our appeal on 15 March so that we can send the funds soon after in order to provide aid to those affected in a timely manner. While we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of those who have already donated, we wanted to give others another opportunity to contribute.
We believe that our actions now will not only help those who are suffering but also pave the way for the gospel in the future. Thank you for your time and consideration, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Check latest updates here.
14 Feb 2023
As you would be aware, the earthquake in Turkey and Syria has been devastating. At the time of writing, the death toll stands at 34,000 and continues to rise, the recovery is a slow and arduous task. It will take decades for these nations to recover, with many grieving over their loved ones being buried in mass graves and those that survived living in the streets during these cold winter months.
Turkey has a unique place in the heart of Australians due to our ANZAC heritage. Its population was estimated at over 86.8 million earlier this year, with 99% of Islamic faith. The Navigators has a ministry in Turkey, albeit small, and is particularly challenging given its religious context.
Their Navigators country leader writes:
“It can be helpful to focus our emergency intercessions at times of large-scale crisis on three particular groups:
- people affected: We ask God to comfort those who suddenly find themselves torn apart by grief, loss, fear and trauma.
- pastors and priests: We ask God to give courage to church leaders and His “royal priests” (the body of Christ) seeking to bring Christ’s presence and hope in the midst of trauma and profound questions of pain.
- peacemakers, politicians and police: We ask God to give clarity and wisdom to government agencies and NGOs, blessing and supporting their efforts to bring relief and aid.”
We would love to send a substantial gift to our Navigator brothers and sisters there and ask that you consider partnering with us in this purpose. You can do that by simply filling in the GIVE NOW section of this page.
The donations will be administered by our Middle East North Africa Regional Director and our Country Leader in Turkey to help care for those affected by the earthquake, which may open up gospel conversations with some people either now or in the future.
Labouring Together,
Grant Dibden
National Director
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