‘We need God’s help’
A bookshelf sits within the rubble of a collapsed building. [Image courtesy of Shema Media Group]
It’s been over a week now since the terrible Türkiye-Syria earthquakes took place. Please join with us in prayer for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are serving in these regions as they endure intense trials, support the local church, broadcast hope and comfort those dealing with trauma.
When Shema Media Group, our ministry friends in Türkiye, asked the Lord to give them a Bible verse for the year 2023, it read, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Little did they know how much they would have to take God at his word.
A dear sister in the city of Antakya gave us a glimpse into the harrowing circumstances people are waking to each day. She wrote,
“I cannot even find words to describe things here, and I pray you never have to understand the full scope of what is going on. It is horrible, just horrible! People who aren’t here to witness this cannot even understand the hard conditions we are living through. Our home is standing, though it has a huge crack in it, and will probably need to be torn down. The building beside us is standing, but everything else has fallen. Our church building is destroyed too. There really is no safe building left in Antakya. At least 350 people in my neighborhood are dead, maybe even more. Many of them were the women and children who came to the church for various events.”
She goes on to tell of an incredible turn of events: “Five days after the earthquakes, rescuers were able to pull three people out alive!”
With some practical supplies stored in the lower level of her home, she’s using it as a sort of market to meet people’s needs. She gives out food to the locals and set up a tent to keep other necessities on hand. “But how can we reach even half of these people? We need God’s help, strength and wisdom,” she said. “Please pray.”
Antakya is only one of 10 Turkish cities that was hit hard by the earthquakes. “We praise God that there has been a coordinated effort among churches to reach out to people in this area,” reported Shema Media Group. The team was able to get their equipment out safely from the office where it was kept. It will be moved to the antenna that is still standing firm. They are thankful to have electricity there. Once they have an internet signal, they will begin broadcasting hope once again. The team plans to set up a container that will house important technical equipment until they can move back to the city center.
Please continue to pray for God’s intervention and protection for the victims in Syria as well. The BBC reported seeing children digging through rubble in the city of Haram, as there is a lack of heavy machinery needed for rescue operations.
For many years now, TWR has been recording Christian programs in local church studios in Syria. In the past few days, last minute programs have been recorded to minister specifically to Syrians who are dealing with the hardships caused by the quakes. Replacement programs from Hope for Syria are now being aired to address these needs.
TWR is also partnering with the church in Syria to support them in providing humanitarian aid to the earthquake victims. Ask for the Lord’s favor and provision in the ongoing relief efforts and trauma healing that is so desperately needed.
In response to these tragic events, we have set up an emergency fund that will cover not only the messages of hope but also provide practical help to meet the needs of affected people. TWR will continue airing Bible-based content to those struggling emotionally and spiritually as well join efforts with local churches in Türkiye and Syria to assist with immediate humanitarian needs.
To partner with TWR in bringing the gospel to the people of Türkiye and Syria, you can take action here.
Prayer Points:
- Many of the Christian media staff in Türkiye have family members affected by the disasters. Pray that the staff will be able to focus on their ministries with clear minds.
- Ask for God’s provision for Shema Media Group, as they now have additional financial needs on top of their normal operating costs.
- Churches in Syria have been mobilized to offer immediate help. Pray for strength and wisdom for church members as they seek God’s guidance.
- Pray for those who are suffering physically, mentally, and spiritually in Türkiye and Syria. For God’s comfort and piece amid the chaos and pain.
