Türkiye (MNN) — This month, deep emotion surrounds the two-year anniversary of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023.
The catastrophe and following aftershocks took the lives of more than 59,000 people in the two nations. Dozens are still missing, with their families left searching for answers.
Patrick Anthony with FMI says rebuilding has been slower than what Türkiye’s government promised. Hundreds of thousands of Turks still live in temporary containers awaiting new homes.
“There is some concern that more and more people are going to leave, which is going to make just even stabilizing that [region] even harder,” Anthony says.
But gospel ministry continues. One of FMI’s partners, who we’ll call Pastor Enver, travels to the earthquake zone each month. He serves alongside the Church there, bringing them any donations he’s received.
“He’s done a lot of counseling too, meeting with people who need to talk about their situation or just providing some spiritual care,” says Anthony. “He says praise God, they’ve seen many people respond in faith, come to faith in Christ through this.”
Devastation from the 2023 earthquake. (Photo courtesy of FMI)
Anthony notes that although rebuilding efforts are frustratingly slow to many, “Really, we’re not to be putting our full trust in government. It’s a good call for the Church that the Church, whether you’re in Türkiye or somewhere else in the world where there’s been a devastating event — the church is called to step up and to meet needs and share the hope of Christ.”
Please pray for strength and effective gospel proclamation for gospel workers like Enver. Pray for survivors wrestling with anger and grief over the loss from the earthquakes, that God will lead them to hope in Christ. Pray that those who know Christ will stand in faith and trust, sharing the good news with their neighbors.
Finally, as part of the Body of Christ, consider donating to support aid and gospel hope for the people of Türkiye. Click to visit FMI’s website and learn how to partner with them.
Header photo of container homes for quake survivors in Turkiye, courtesy of FMI.
