Samuel* of Redemptive Stories says, “There was a small-scale earthquake of 4.8 magnitude on the Richter scale near the city of Hama, which is [a] similar area that was affected by the large earthquake last February, which was a 7.8 [magnitude earthquake].”

Flashbacks sent families running into the streets at midnight on Monday. Last year’s earthquake caused widespread destruction in Türkiye and northern Syria, killing over 50,000 people.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or damages this week, but health workers treated at least 67 cases of shock. “I can only imagine the pain that they are now going through again, to have all those memories from the first one hit them again,” Samuel says.

“Particularly for children, that (earthquake) probably brought all those memories right back to the surface.”

Residents across Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon reported tremors lasting into Tuesday morning.

In Syria, “A lot of organizations quickly responded, reminding [Gospel workers] how to uniquely help people with the trauma from an earthquake because it’s different than other traumas that they’d already faced after 10-plus years of war,” Samuel says.

“Through that, then, [believers are] sharing the Gospel and sharing our source of hope through Jesus Christ.”

Pray Syrian believers will keep speaking the Gospel truth amid challenging circumstances.

*Pseudonym

Header image depicts the town of Jindires in Syria after the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes. (Wikimedia Commons)

Church partners set up a temporary shelter in a sports arena in Türkiye.
(Photo courtesy of Transform Iran)

Transform Iran was one of the first groups to respond, helping hundreds of Iranian Christian refugees in Türkiye. More about that here.

“We were one of the few that were given access to one of the hardest-hit places,” says Transform Iran’s Lana Silk.

“We took 10 tons of food and hygiene supplies, clothing, and blankets to our immediate vicinity.”

Tremendous needs remain today. “It’s a monumental task that the government has to rebuild after such a big hit,” Silk says.

“Quite a few different sociopolitical elements at play make the situation untenable. There are still buildings broken into rubble that’s not even been cleared, let alone thinking about foundation work or replacement,” she continues.

“Christian refugees are being forced into uninhabitable living situations. Our group has families who aren’t using gas or electricity [so they can save] money, having to wear warm clothing to survive, not having three meals a day.”

Deportation is a daily threat as pressure mounts on the Turkish government to expel refugees.

“We have people who will suddenly get told, ‘Oh, actually, we’re going to deport you, and you have 24 hours’ notice.’ This is becoming a common experience for our people, and they get sent to deportation camps,” Silk says.

“The husband of one of our couples had a stroke right there in their offices because the stress of that news is intense.”

Click here for practical ways to help your brothers and sisters in Christ through Transform Iran.

“Could you go without a weekly coffee and support a family in need? The same dollars go so much further in a place like Türkiye, and these families are in great need,” Silk says.

Header image depicts damages from the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkiye. Photo courtesy of Horizons International.

An AMG International team recently visited partners serving in Türkiye.

“The devastation was overwhelming to see. We found a worsening economy and many people expressing little hope,” AMG’s Brian Dennett says.

“One man we spoke with described how many in his community had contemplated suicide.”

Working through a network of church partners, AMG has been active in the worst-hit regions from the beginning.

“We’re feeding around 6,000 people per day with mobile feeding trailers and local kitchens,” Dennett says.

(Photo courtesy of AMG International/Billy Weeks)

It’s barely a drop in the ocean of need. “With most humanitarian organizations withdrawing from the area, and it (the disaster) largely being out of the news, it’s left a huge burden on the Church,” Dennett says.

“We’re talking about an estimated 8,000 believers in the entire country of 85 million people, so that’s quite a burden.”

As one church leader described in a recent update:

“Many are still living in tents…and it’s getting harder and harder for people to hold on to life. We are the only kitchen in the region still open, serving three meals a day… the needs seem to increase, not decrease.”

The Lord is opening doors of opportunity, but AMG needs your help to turn a prospect into reality.

Learn more and send support here.

“We’re hoping to have a ministry hub where we can have ongoing work meeting physical needs but also starting conversations and building relationships to share Jesus and grow the church there,” Dennett says.

Pray AMG receives the necessary funding to build a multipurpose community center in Türkiye. This could enable AMG and its partners to expand the capacity of its team through training in evangelism, church support, and resources.

“It (Turkiye) is a very closed country to the Gospel, so it’s very difficult for those 8,000 believers to share [about Jesus],” Dennett says.

However, “people have seen the work that our network of churches and believers have done through the earthquake, the compassion in serving and feeding, and it’s created an openness to listen.”

Header and story images courtesy of Billy Weeks/AMG International.

“No one wants Iranian Christian refugees as a tenant; if they can find someone else, that’s better for them,” Lana Silk with Transform Iran says.

“Our people are constantly facing competition from an influx of hundreds of thousands of Russians and Ukrainians coming with cash into Türkiye and renting these buildings and apartments.”

(Graphic courtesy of Transform Iran)

Türkiye hosts nearly four million refugees and asylum-seekers, the world’s largest refugee population. Plus, historic earthquakes leveled hundreds of thousands of buildings in February, making it even tougher to find a home.

“Whether church buildings or residential apartments, we’re finding that Christian refugees are the first to be pushed out, with landlords increasing rent quickly with no notice,” Silk says.

Transform Iran partners with two Iranian Christian churches in Ankara. “The landlord just told us we have to either vacate the premises or take an immediate tripling of the rent,” Silk says.

“These are church buildings we have decorated, equipped, and repaired; it’s a huge loss.”

Deportation poses another imminent threat. Police frequently stop Iranian Christian refugees on the street to check their paperwork.

Or, “authorities will turn up at their apartments and go through all their stuff, and then they (refugees) will be told that moment, ‘Right. You’ve been put down for deportation,’” Silk says.

“We have to access legal services to fight these deportations because it’s so dangerous for our people to be sent back to Iran.”

Partner with Transform Iran here to help underwrite some of the associated costs. “We are doing our best to help them, but the number and scale of challenges [are] increasing by the day,” Silk says.

Most importantly, pray. “Pray specifically for the Christian refugees in Türkiye; it is dangerous for them,” Silk requests.

“Pray for those at risk of deportation. We have people right now who are in imminent danger of being sent back to Iran.”

Header image depicts the Turkish flag. (Wikimedia Commons)

When the 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkiye and killed over 45,000 people, government response was swift with rescue efforts and emergency aid. Now, it’s been over five months since the disaster.

Lately, Bruce Allen with FMI says, “In a place like Antakya where there was a good nucleus of Christian believers, the government response has somehow idled. It started, but it’s gotten pretty sluggish as of late according to our partners and even other internal humanitarian organizations like the Red Crescent, which is similar to the Red Cross here in the US. In this area, the relief work has either been delayed or the resources are less than what has been given in other areas.

“One of our partners laments, ‘Turkey has started to forget the earthquake zone.'”

Earthquake relief, water and food distribution in Turkiye. (Photo courtesy of FMI)

The earthquake aftermath coincided with the critical weeks leading up to the nation’s presidential election, and there was a lot of political pressure riding on the government’s response. Some speculate that since the presidential election results were announced at the end of May, different political agendas have taken priority over continued aid to quake zones — and, it seems, especially those populated by Christians.

Several buildings in Antakya remain standing, though badly damaged by the earthquake. These must be cleared in order for rebuilding to commence in the area, so they await demolition. Before demolition can occur, people need to salvage any personal belongings which can be safely removed.

Meanwhile, summertime temperatures in Antakya are topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius), and inside quake survivors’ tents, it is even hotter.

With earthquake aid slowing from public sources, emergency aid from local Christians and churches in Turkiye is needed now more than ever.

FMI-supported church planter, Pastor Enver, and his congregants drive 650 miles every 7-10 days to bring believers in Antakya food and water and to build better shelters.

“They’re replacing the tent shelters now with the larger hard-framed structures, either steel or wood framed. These units include an air conditioning unit, a two-burner stovetop, and will be more durable,” says Allen.

“The Christians had set up about 7,500 tents previously. Now, more than 800 of those have been replaced by steel or wood frame structures.”

(Photo courtesy of FMI)

The most encouraging aspect of Turkish believers’ ministry is the opportunity to represent Jesus Christ to other Muslims.

Pastor Enver reports, “We can definitely say that we are seeing God work here. Regularly, the number of people who accept Christ for their salvation and start attending the [new] local church here increases. And we continue to have plenty of opportunities to share the gospel. We thank God for this!”

You can make a significant difference by supporting FMI’s Turkish Earthquake Relief Fund here!

One hundred percent of contributions to this fund go directly into this critical, life-giving ministry in Turkiye.

Then, pray for Christians in Turkiye, that they would not be discouraged by slowing government aid, but rather would see God’s hand through the generous movement of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Header photo of container homes for quake survivors in Turkiye. (Photo courtesy of FMI)

This was the first aid convoy to cross from government territory into a rebel-held enclave since January. Aid deliveries quickly became a political pawn after the disaster.

February earthquakes added another layer of calamity to Syria’s 13-year crisis. Millions displaced by war found themselves homeless yet again.

Samuel* with Redemptive Stories says the Syrian war is on hold – for now.

“The situation seems pretty stable ever since the earthquake; [an] understood ceasefire has held for the most part since February,” he says.

The UN reports that over 15 million Syrians need help to survive today, and an estimated 8.8 million people have been affected by the February earthquakes.

Thousands of earthquake survivors may have a roof over their heads, but their hearts remain unsettled. Every new tremor triggers a flashback, and no one knows when the earth will stop moving.

“The aftershocks could continue for another period of time; months, in fact,” Samuel says.

“Earthquake realities are still quite fresh for a lot of people, particularly on the side of trauma.”

The global Body of Christ continues to offer help and hope. “In general, the response has been great from a lot of organizations; a lot of them are evangelical organizations and churches,” Samuel says.

Syrian Christians have been helping earthquake survivors from day one. Believers tell people about God’s love and truth; their consistent presence shows it’s real.

“Our friends there locally are responding both in practical love and spiritual communication of what the Gospel is,” Samuel says.

“God is using, as He always does, the brokenness to carry forth His story.”

*Pseudonym

Header image depicts damages immediately following the February earthquakes. Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran.

On top of that, much of the water is still contaminated in quake-affected townships. Summertime is presenting new challenges for quake survivors living in temporary shelters, and dehydration is a concern.

Bruce Allen with FMI says, “As we move from the winter months now to getting warmer temperatures, a big deal is water for the people. So there are daily rations of water going out to the people and they will stand in line for hours to get their gallons of water for the day. So the water distribution is still a critical need.”

(Photo courtesy of FMI)

FMI supports churches in Turkiye providing relief. They’re helping quake survivors get into longer-term hard-frame shelters, and continue to distribute food and clean water.

Over 95% of Turkiye follows Islam. Yet, as they receive aid from Turkish believers, Muslims are asking about the Church and ultimately getting to know Jesus Christ.

New believers have even started Bible studies. “One partner said, ‘Our Bible study group is doing well. New brothers and sisters are growing spiritually. They have more boldness now and they are becoming equipped to share the Gospel,'” shares Allen.

You can support FMI’s Gospel and relief ministry in Turkiye here!

Allen says donated funds go towards “construction materials for these hard-frame small shelters, the food that is still needed, [and] the water. This sort of gift goes a long way.”

Meanwhile, pray for efforts to repair and restore communities affected by the earthquake. Ask God to be the sustainer and provider. Pray for Muslim hearts across Turkiye to embrace comfort found in Scripture.

Header photo courtesy of FMI.

Nearly 90 percent of all households in Syria could not meet their basic needs last year. Historic earthquakes in February made things even worse. According to a UN assessment report released earlier this month, Syria needs almost $15 billion to recover following the February earthquakes.

“The needs are humongous. The country is collapsing in terms of the economy; they need to rebuild cities and Christian towns; also, there is a need for trauma healing,” Fadi Sharaiha with MENA Leadership Center says.

Over one million people in northwest Syria need mental health support. Reports say there are only 24 psychologists in the area. MENA Leadership Center equips local Christian leaders to meet the needs of their communities. More about that here.

“I want to take a moment to salute those Christian leaders and Christians still living and surviving in Syria. The current situation is unfortunate,” Sharaiha says.

MLC’s training primarily takes place online, but they could use your help to “go offline” in Syria, coordinating in-person meetings and coaching sessions.
(Photo courtesy of MENA Leadership Center)

Along with training Christian leaders in trauma healing, “we’re focusing more on how to support Christian leaders,” he continues.

“We have managed to train in the last few weeks 264 Christian leaders, including 54 different ministries and churches in Syria [and the MENA.]”

MLC’s training primarily takes place online, but they could use your help to “go offline” in Syria, coordinating in-person meetings and coaching sessions. Connect with MLC here to learn more about this opportunity.

“Just being there with them is very important; [to] have a cup of tea and talk about the problems. We’re [hoping to] find funding so we can go on the ground,” Sharaiha says.

A personal connection would help reinforce the training MLC provides online. Syrian Christians are weary after 12 years of war.

“We’re focusing on the heart issues right now. The war made people feel isolated, and [many are] questioning, ‘Why did God allow this to happen?’ They lost their loved ones, friends, and jobs,” Sharaiha says.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Mahmoud Sulaiman/Unsplash.

Joshua Landis, director of both the Center of Middle East Studies and the Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Arabian Gulf Studies at the University of Oklahoma, told Arab News:

“Arab countries will now have to decide how they want to chip away at Western sanctions and defy the West’s efforts to maintain a strict boycott of Syria… and help facilitate the return of trade, the restoration of Syria’s energy sector and the electric grid. Until that happens, Syrians will continue to live in misery and privation.”

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits Syria’s Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on May 3, 2023.
(Wikimedia Commons)

The Arab League kicked Syria out when the regime’s crackdown on protestors sparked a civil war in 2011. Earlier this month, the league reinstated Syria’s membership – even though the war has not officially ended.

If the war is still going on, what changed?

The shift resulted from “not internal as much as external factors. What changed is, basically, two things: one, Daesh (the Islamic State) is done. [Two,] Iran and Saudi are now on good terms,” Fadi Sharaiha with MENA Leadership Center says.

“This will change the whole environment in the region in terms of [proxy war countries like] Syria, Lebanon, Libya, and Yemen.”

After China brokered peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia, former regional rivals, conflicts in neighboring countries began to shift – Syria included.

“Maybe the proxy war [between Saudi Arabia and Iran] is now coming to an end? I hope, and I think [it is]. It’s a complicated [matter], to say the least,” Sharaiha says.

No easy answers

Even if proxy wars end, challenges remain. “Things in Syria are much calmer, although you still see some of the ISIS fighters here and there. Also, remember that Syria and Turkey are now not on good terms,” Sharaiha says.

Tremendous needs remain as well. Syria’s war has killed over a half-million people, drove millions more into neighboring countries as refugees, and destroyed infrastructure nationwide. The February 6 earthquakes made life even worse in northern Syria.

Discussions at the Arab League Summit involved “not only the (earthquake) rebuild, but also refugees going back to Syria,” Sharaiha says.

“They cannot go back until some kind of rebuild happens, and for the rebuild, they (Syrian authorities) need money.”

MENA Leadership Center equips Syrian believers to do the work of Christ, sharing help and hope with those who need it most. With support from believers like you, MLC provides essential training to help leaders plan, think, and lead more strategically.

“Pray for Christian leaders to lead well and not to give up,” Sharaiha requests.

“Please pray for them to be rooted in Christ; to know that their identity is in Christ, that God is sovereign, and whatever is happening around them, God is still in control.”

Header image depicts a meeting at the 2018 Arab League Summit. (Wikimedia Commons)

Bruce Allen with FMI says, “One hundred and forty-thousand square miles of terrain were literally decimated, which is the equivalent of the size of Germany.”

Hard-frame shelters for quake survivors in Turkiye. (Photo courtesy of FMI)

People are going back to work in some areas struck by the quake, but it varies. In a few towns, employment is up to roughly 50%. However, other towns like Antioch are still rubble and restarting business is not possible.

Churches supported by FMI have been providing food and emergency tents. “But now, the churches are building hard-frame shelters for the people,” says Allen.

“It’s still temporary shelter, but it’s better than the tents – a little bit larger as they’re moving into the summer months. There will also be an air conditioner unit for the tents.”

Most Turks are Muslim, and this is the first time many are hearing about Jesus.

“In this one tent city, about 15 to 20 people from Muslim backgrounds who have been touched by the testimony of Christians, they’re now joining daily with the Christians to pray. They said, ‘We want to hear more about Jesus. We want to understand how you pray.’”

All donations to FMI’s Hope Stands campaign for Turkiye relief are doubled this month! Give today at FMI’s website.

(Image courtesy of FMI)

“Pray for God’s provision for our Hope Stands campaign,” Allen asks. “We’d love to be able to bless our brothers and sisters in Turkiye with aid and say, ‘We’re standing with you in prayer, and here’s a tangible evidence that we stand with you.'”

Header photo courtesy of FMI.