In the month since two devastating earthquakes struck Syria and Turkey, UNICEF reports that more than 50 thousand people have died and more than 850 thousand children remain displaced from their homes.
Nazarene teams from neighboring countries have made their way into areas affected by the quakes. The way in has been difficult, and prayer is needed now more than ever as relief efforts face major resistance from local authorities.
One team was able to successfully deliver tents into one area of Syria, but has been unable so far to take reach more sensitive areas. Vans full of supplies have been turned away from similar entry points, and church leaders are working to find creative ways to deliver these crucial materials to those who desperately need shelter.
A Jordanian team successfully entered multiple cities hosting many displaced people. The team visited schools and churches that have transformed into makeshift camps for those fleeing the devastation and fearing future aftershocks.
“Thousands of people live in a miserable situation,” says one Nazarene Jordanian pastor. “No food, no houses, no peace, no security…imagine.”
While supplying people with items like blankets, milk, power banks, and hygiene items, the group of Nazarenes felt led to hold communion in an area destroyed by the earthquakes. They stood with grape juice and bread, says the same Jordanian pastor, “to declare the redemption of Jesus, and declare life in the cities,” praying for restoration and peace.
Please pray specifically for the remaining supplies and funds that teams are attempting to take into sensitive areas. Pray for volunteers to have access to the most vulnerable who have been hardest hit by the devastation. Pray for pastors and churches as they continue to serve and meet the needs of their communities.
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