By Joseph M., Pastor at Arabic Christian Church in YORK
I want to sincerely thank everyone who has prayed and showed their concern for the people affected by the horrific earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
I have been in touch with pastors and Christian leaders in disaster-claimed cities in Syria from day one. As of now, the earthquake claimed more than 36,000 lives, left about 100,000 injured, and more than 10 million people are displaced. These numbers are sadly increasing. It is a disaster beyond comprehension.
One of the many pictures that touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes is of a Syrian girl from under the rubble wrapping her arm around her little brother’s head to protect him while waiting to be rescued. Thank God they were rescued! Now tens of thousands of people are left homeless, waiting for a meal to eat, clothes to wear, and a warm place for shelter.
During my last three trips to Syria, I was honored to preach at most of the evangelical churches located in the disaster areas. I feel a big responsibility as an American born in Syria, who served as a missionary for nine years in that country, and who made mission trips in recent years, to encourage each one of us to stand with these suffering people at this crucial time.
Pastors and Christian brothers in Syria have shared with me how difficult the circumstances are and how they are working day and night to help the suffering people. My pastor friend in Aleppo told me,
“We are overwhelmed and so tired; we are feeding about 700 people on a daily basis. People are in need of food, clothing, medicine- in need of everything-please help us as much as you can.”
The plan now is to help nine teams conducting humanitarian work at the three disaster cities in Syria: three teams in the city of Aleppo, three teams in the city of Latakia, and three teams in the city of Hama or biblically “Hamath,” seen in 1 Kings 8:65.
Among the tens of thousands of people who lost their homes, many are living in schools, shelters, and some on the streets in subzero temperatures. They are in urgent need of blankets, sleeping bags, portable mattresses, winter clothes, food, shelter, and medicine. Many families are living in cracked and damaged homes—not safe at all—with nowhere to go.
The Lord placed on my heart to travel to Syria next week. I will take assistance to the teams working on the ground and help earthquake survivors for two weeks.
Thank you so much for your prayers.