A priest from Antioch in Turkey tells us: "We used to live an organized life. We taught English and music to local children in our church a couple of days a week. We had women's meetings. We had fun with the neighborhood kids with games."
"But now we have lost all these children. Those who were lucky to survive the earthquake have left Antioch because there is no life in Antioch anymore. Our whole life has been turned upside down."
"We are still sleeping in the car as our house has been severely damaged. It's not an understatement to say that what we are experiencing is terrifying. We have lost at least 350 neighbors in the earthquake."
"Nothing we dreamed of turns out the way we hoped. Despite it all, I have hope because I clearly see God's mercy and love, even if it looks like it's wrapped in misfortune and death. These days will remain a painful memory."
"But God will make everything beautiful again. We experience this through all you brothers and sisters who support and pray for us. We desperately need prayer, help, loving hugs and healing for our wounds. Thank you for not forgetting us."
In Antioch, the Danish European Mission's project partner has four sanitation trailers of a very high standard, where people can go to the toilet, take a shower and wash their clothes. A fifth sanitation truck is in Gaziantep. Our Turkish partner also has a mobile bakery where around 400 loaves of bread are baked every day. In Turkey, we distribute
also tents and heaters for the victims.
In Syria, food parcels are distributed that consist of rice, grains, lentils, oil, sugar, tea, spices and cheese.
Hygiene packs are also distributed, including hand and laundry soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and a comb.
The situation is constantly changing, but our local emergency response teams are flexible and adapt their response to meet the current needs of those at risk.
Emergency aid can give the convert church a voice
Christians live in countries where they can face opposition. In particular, Muslims who convert to the Christian faith can come under great pressure from their families and communities to return to Islam.
But impressions can be made and prejudices can be broken when Christians reach out in a practical way to those in need in their countries. In this way, this project is not only a relief project, but also aims to give the convert church a platform and a voice in Turkey and Syria.
Thank you so much for praying for Turkey and Syria, for the brave Christians reaching out and for the people.
