Natural Disasters

When a natural disaster hits an Islamic region, the Christian minority often suffers most.  Already subject to discrimination and poverty, the Church amidst a natural disaster may lose everything.  This Fund provides for Christians in distress.

But more than that, gifts to the Natural Disasters fund enable believers to respond to the pain of their Muslim neighbors, showing God's love in a practical way and drawing hearts to the saving hope of Jesus Christ.  Your gift can open the door for Muslims to hear the Gospel.

Give now to assist recovery from Natural Disasters.

Here's the latest news about this project . . .
Help Turkey's Earthquake Survivors Now! -- October 26, 2011

Reach out TODAY to help those affected by this disaster! 

Sunday's 7.2 magnitude quake near Turkey's border with Iran had devastated the eastern portion of the country, leaving thousands of people - including children and infants - disoriented and homeless.   
"Despite aid workers' best efforts, supplies and shelter needed for victims are running short, as temperatures drop. One victim says he has been trying unsuccessfully to get a tent for two days. 'I have five children,' he said. 'We've been waiting in the rain.  I haven't been able to get a tent for two days now.  Yesterday morning, I was here from 9 to 12, but I couldn't make it to the front.  I am here again today, and I have no idea when it'll be my turn.'" - quoted from VOANews
 
Into the heartbreak and uncertainty of this situation, Turkish Christians are stretching out helping hands. Smyrna is grateful to be part of their efforts. Yesterday, our ministry partner "Erkan" sent a large number of disaster relief supplies to Van. These supplies were especially geared toward kids. He is thankful to everyone who gave to help the earthquake survivors, but is reporting a continued and urgent need for more supplies. Cold weather is setting in (snow may soon fall), and Erkan is trying to provide tents and blankets for his fellow Turks in need. He runs a children's outreach ministry, so he is especially eager to help children and babies affected by the chaos.
 
Here's the message we received from him: 
" Thank you for interceding for us. As many of you know, an earthquake took place in eastern Turkey near the city of Van (pronounced Vahn).  As of today the number of people who have died is 460 and that number increases daily.  There were about 1,320 people injured in the earthquake, to say nothing of those who were traumatized. Please pray!

There is a chaotic situation with regard to who is in charge of disaster relief. The difficulty is between the Red Crescent and the local municipalities.  Pray that aid is distributed efficiently, justly and in a timely manner.  Pray for those searching for victims, that those alive still would be found. Pray for those doing heavy labor -  for rest and for strength. There are several brothers and sisters there now and they are informing us daily of the needs in the area." 
 
If you would like to partner with Erkan and send aid to those hurt in the earthquake, click to give through our Natural Disasters Fund. 

 

 

Gathering and boxing relief supplies

 

Getting relief supplies ready to distribute