The Power of Compassion

I recently returned from visiting our ministry partners who are tirelessly serving in the earthquake zone. I was overwhelmed at the sheer devastation of an entire region. Yet, I was deeply encouraged to see the Church of Christ shine. 

The earthquakes of Feb 6 devastated a whole region in Turkey and Syria. As of this writing, the death toll is over 50,000 and is expected to grow. An affected area of 140,000 square miles was home to 16 million people. UN reports estimate a minimum of 1.5 million people remain homeless – but the number is actually higher. In Antakya (biblical Antioch) alone, 80% of buildings have been destroyed or condemned. A month later, there is no running water, no sewage system, and limited electricity – not to mention supply problems.   

From the first moments, the local church in Antakya began to meet needs, even though their church building was destroyed and the pastor’s house heavily damaged. Within 3 days, a team from our partner churches in Diyarbakir and Mardin came to help and have remained on the ground to coordinate aid efforts. These are many of our dear friends and colleagues with whom Laurie and I served, while living in that region over a decade ago. They are also many of the same partners who spearheaded the relief efforts for the Syrian and Iraqi refugee crisis. It is a joy to be able to work alongside these humble, bold, godly men and women serving 

so clearly in the name of Christ. It is a joy to see the ARP denomination’s outpouring of love and support. To date, over $150,000 has been raised toward the relief effort.  

One of the Christian relief workers, Omer B. shared this story: Among the families where we set up tents, there is an elderly lady whose story touched us deeply. This lady was trapped under the rubble with her daughter and her family. But just before the earthquake happened, she had a dream in which three angels dressed in white appeared and somehow woke her up. After she woke up, they stood in front of her closet, and that’s when the earthquake began.  

When the building collapsed during the earthquake, the doors of the closet opened and fell on her. The wardrobe protected her like a tent. Because the lady lived on the third floor, she thought, “How are they going to save us? We live so high up, and it would be very difficult for them to build a ladder.” Later, after the rescuers broke through the brick tiles and the top of the closet, the woman was surprised she was not actually high up but very close to the ground.

The most critical needs are shelter, hygiene, clothes, and food. There is a great need for water, toilets, and sanitary services. The main thrust of the response has been in providing tents and shelters. To date, over 100 tents have been set up for needy families, with additional shipments of tents being delivered each week. The tents and aid are done on a personal basis with families who come in person to request help.  This ensures the ability to continue follow up for future relationship.  All of this is done clearly and openly, as the Church. 

Please pray for this ministry. Almost everyone we met had lost at least someone to the earthquake. The sense of personal and communal grief is palpable. Pray for relief work to be done for the glory of God and for church members on the ground who serve, despite being overwhelmed themselves by grief and trauma. Finally, pray that our Lord would use this awful event to draw men and women to the unshakeable rock of salvation in Christ.