Greetings in the Name of the Lord Jesus,
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Isaiah 58:12
The situation in Turkey is constantly fluctuating. Hamdullah and Elmas’s shared house with two flats and much space for entertaining guests has been condemned. They have had to get out what they can, and organize storage. Many decisions! Yes, they are still sleeping in their van, and not good sleep by any stretch of the imagination! Pray for them both to remain calm and for Elmas to have peace in her heart as they go through this experience.
All believers from the church are safe, but have scattered away from Antakya. Most of Elmas and Hamdullah's beloved neighborhood children have been scattered as well. In the meantime, they have food, plates, spoons, and water laid out in front of their home on a table. People are able to come and get something to eat when they need it. Many groups of people are sitting around just suffering from the loss of so many in their family. Elmas feels their losses intensely.
The Antioch Christian Church building has swung into operation! This weekend Elmas and Hamdullah held a service in the church building which was under construction prior to the earthquake. They were building it to be “earthquake proof” and that has been a blessing! Volunteers are preparing food and will soon be preparing enough to distribute to the homeless in Antakya. So far it is only the rescue and aid workers, and a few locals left near their home who are being fed.
Now, just yesterday, February 20…There’s just been another cluster of earthquakes near Antakya. At just past 8pm in Turkey, there was a 6.4 earthquake near Antakya. You can imagine the effect of an earthquake of that magnitude to those already in the zone. And not only the effects to the city, but to the morale of the people. Please pray with us and continue to give to the ongoing effort to help these people rebuild.
Specific prayer points:
Protection, healing, and strength and that many will experience the love of the Lord through this very difficult time.
Our ministry partners there are tired, worn and stressed. They truly need the Lord’s strength.
Pray for peace over those who have loved ones in the affected areas.
Pray against survivors' guilt - People have been heard to comment that they are embarrassed to admit their whole family is okay.
Pray for search crews as they continue the tireless effort of finding those still missing, and that they don’t stop.
Pray for the rescue workers as they gather and distribute critical supplies to those with no shelter and no food.
Your generosity matters, and for it we are grateful!
Please prayerfully consider a financial contribution to this effort.
Remember, 100% of what you give goes directly toward helping these people in need because of our low overhead and direct relationship with those providing help on the front lines.
Please send checks to: Rebridge 5016 Knobview Trail Winston-Salem NC 27104