Latest update (8th Feb)
All giving for Turkiye and Syria can be now be gift aided via https://catalystnetwork.org/donate/
Join many from around the world to pray on Friday 10th February 2023 at 7pm-8pm (UK time) online via zoom
https://zoom.us/j/95328361775?
Meeting ID: 953 2836 1775
Passcode: Catalyst
Early on 6th February a devastating earthquake wrought havoc across south eastern Turkiye and northern Syria. With tremors that were felt as far afield as Beirut, Cyprus, the Black Sea coast and Jordan, our phones have been relentlessly ringing with urgent need, prayer requests, updates and stories.
Gaziantep, not far from Biblical Antioch, was the epicentre. The number of dead and injured is increasing hourly, as many thousands are left homeless in the frozen, snowy winter with night time temperatures of -15C.
In Turkiye, this is felt to be a major disaster, with requests for international assistance – highly unusual for this proud and independent nation. In Syria, with infrastructure already non-existent through 12 years of civil war, the prospect is even bleaker. Many communities are remote, roads and airstrips ruined, and the logistics of getting emergency assistance to those who most need it, highly complex.
The Turkish Church is very good in a crisis. The unity and relational connections between believers across the nation, already strong, provides an incredible springboard for action in emergency situations. I’ve never met a people like the Turks for their ability to drop everything and respond fast, in a well-coordinated manner. Sadly, the church in Turkiye is far too used to having to respond to crisis situations. Members of churches from our family are already on the ground, serving hot food and responding to urgent need.
Our contribution, from outside the country, will be to pray and to give. Many have been reaching out and asking how to do these two things. Here are the answers for now:
Prayer: Friday 10th Feb, 7-8pm UK time
https://zoom.us/j/95328361775?
Meeting ID: 953 2836 1775 Passcode: Catalyst
Giving: via Catalyst Network of Churches
Account Name: Catalyst Network of Churches
Account Number: 65626678
Sort Code: 08-92-99
IBAN code: GB24CPBK08929965626678
Reference: ‘Earthquake appeal’
For gift aid and paying by card, visit https://catalystnetwork.org/donate/
We will follow the lead of the Turkish churches, who know what is and isn’t possible, and who are already on the ground assessing need. In an election year, many are terrified that political preferences and image will override genuine help to the most vulnerable.
Stay tuned to the Unreached blog for updates.
Andy McCullough
