A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey at 4:17 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, the most powerful earthquake recorded since 1939. In the hours that followed, at least 78 aftershocks were reported, followed by a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude. The latest news reports say that more than 40,000 people were killed.
The earthquake also heavily impacted northwest Syria, where 4.1 million people depend on humanitarian assistance. The majority are women and children. At this time, Syrian communities are simultaneously facing an ongoing cholera outbreak and extreme winter weather events, including heavy rain and snow. The humanitarian response is overstretched due to the devastation and cold weather.
Our global mission partner, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has released an initial solidarity grant to a longstanding humanitarian partner, International Blue Crescent (IBC), which has offices in Turkey. The grant will provide tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready-to-eat meals, and basic first aid kits.
If you would like to help in this effort to assist those affected by this earthquake, please donate to PUMC’s “UMCOR” fund. To donate online, choose the “UMCOR” fund. Checks may be made payable to Providence UMC with “Turkey/Syria Earthquakes or UMCOR” on the memo line.
Rev. Brandon Dirks, Minister of Missions and Outreach
A Note from Pastor Randy - February 11, 2023
The death toll from the massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, February 6, continues to rise to shocking numbers. Over 23,000 persons have lost their lives, not to mention countless others who were severely injured and those who have lost loved ones, their homes and/or their possessions. On top of it all, the bitter cold of winter is taking its toll on survivors and rescuers alike. Our hearts go out to those who are experiencing such unimaginable suffering.
So, I’m encouraging all of our church family to pause at noon today and every day for the next week to pray for and remember the people of Turkey and Syria. Prayers anytime are welcomed, but this way we can come together as a congregation daily to lift our hearts to God on behalf of our sisters and brothers in Turkey and Syria.
In Christ,
Pastor Randy