Middle East Earthquake Relief — February 2023 Update
On February 6, an earthquake in Turkey and Syria measuring 7.8 magnitude was followed later that same day by an aftershock of 7.5.
The numbers are staggering:
the area of destruction is equal to the size of the state of Texas
the death toll in Turkey and Syria has reached 46,000
5.3 million have lost their homes
12.4 million people in Syria are now food insecure
The mobilization of the Church in Syria was swift.
In Aleppo, where there was much damage to the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Ibrahim Nseir and his elders, with the blessing of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL), opened the doors of Aleppo College (a Synod school run by the church) as a relief center and, within hours, over 350 had sought shelter and supplies there. Within days, 600 would show up there for help. With many city shelters opening up in public schools but without adequate food supplies, the Aleppo Church began to bring sandwiches to other relief sites. After worship on February 12, amidst the rubble of the city, 800 were fed. Mindful of the hungry in the neighborhood which surrounds their church, they soon began to dispense hot meals from the “front porch” of the church — their own building is being supported by a profusion of steel poles since the structure sustained much damage.
In Latakia, Rev. Salam Hannah and Preacher Kairallah Atallah opened the Presbyterian Church to receive those displaced from damaged flats or those who were fearful of the compromised structure of their homes. They soon began dispensing food, diapers, blankets, and medicines to more than 200 families in need. Within days of the disaster, Rev. Salam had written a powerful reflection upon the experience, which you may read HERE.
Dr. Kairallah (a physician and now “second career” pastor soon to be ordained by the Synod) was appointed by the Synod to write weekly updates on the ministry of the Synod’s churches in response to the crisis. You may read those reports HERE.
Christ in the Chaos
Grace (as the Church serves) and Gratitude (from those who are hurt, homeless and helpless)
These photos tell a story that requires few words. Let them move you and inform your prayers — for those who are broken and for those who are embracing the brokenhearted in Christ’s name.
Grateful for long partnership in these places
When our family is in need, it gets personal. As recently as October, a team from The Outreach Foundation was in Syria and shared life with the congregations on the front line of serving others in broken places.
Outreach team with Rev. Ibrahim Nseir in the Aleppo Presbyterian Church in October 2022
Within hours, The Outreach Foundation mounted the Middle East Earthquake Relief Appeal which has already raised over $100,000. Substantial amounts of that were quickly made available to our main partner in the region, the NESSL. Relief efforts in Syria have not abated. Soon the needs will be quantified for repairs to churches and homes. Please continue with us on this journey…
Marilyn Borst, Associate Director for Partnership Development
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support Middle East Earthquake Relief. All gifts of any size are welcomed. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.