A powerful earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria has claimed the lives of more than 42,000 people and left more than 100,000 people injured. The 6 February quake and its hundreds of aftershocks, some almost as powerful as the initial tremors, toppled at least 47,000 buildings in Turkey and close to 8,000 more in Syria. The destruction leaves millions displaced in a region already sheltering four million war refugees.

The relief supplies and temporary housing provided by aid groups and governments are not yet sufficient for all affected people, especially in Syria, where access to relief delivery has been slow. Close to nine million people have been impacted there, and residents face challenges accessing clean water, food, electricity, health care, and shelter from severe winter weather. The crisis is an additional burden for people who have already suffered through the trauma of a decade of conflict in the country.  

There are two Nazarene churches in affected areas of Syria, and after the first tremor, the pastors and members of these churches immediately began serving their neighbors in need. Having escaped without damage, each church is open as a shelter for people who are afraid or unable to return home, and both congregations are distributing hot meals and blankets. In Aleppo, church members have visited hospitals and shelters to pass out cold-weather gear, food, and medicine.

Nazarenes churches worldwide are currently engaged in relief efforts in Syria through funds and supplies. A Nazarene Compassionate Ministry partner organization in Germany, Helping Hands, coordinates deliveries of essential items. In Jordan, churches are raising funds and supplies.

The Church of the Nazarene has no congregations in Turkey. Any relief efforts there will be centered on supporting partner organizations as needed.

How to help

Pray

Pray for all mourning the loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Pray for swift assistance for all who need support. Pray for survivors as they heal from physical wounds and traumatic memories. Pray for the most vulnerable, especially children, women, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Pray for churches and leaders as they respond with compassion. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.

Give

Churches and individuals worldwide can provide support through the Syria Earthquake Response fund. Donations will be used for immediate needs, such as blankets and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

To send donations by mail:

In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to: 

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Be sure to put 140021 in the Memo area.

In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada
3657 Ponytrail Drive, Mississauga, ON | L4X 1W5

Be sure to put 140021 in the Memo area.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Syria Earthquake Response fund.