The recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have caused widespread devastation, leaving more than 50,000 people dead and even more injured and homeless. The images of collapsed buildings, rubble, and people suffering have been heart-wrenching. As a Christian community, we have a responsibility to act in compassion and solidarity with those who have been affected by this disaster. Here are four ways churches can help after the earthquakes:

Pray

As Christians, we shouldn’t see prayer as a last resort. Rather, it’s one of the most powerful ways we can help. As people of faith, it’s important to pray for those who have been affected and for the relief and recovery efforts taking place. However, in such an overwhelming tragedy, it can be difficult to know how to pray. Here are some ideas:

  • Pray for the victims, survivors, and their families. Lift up in prayer all those who have lost loved ones or have been injured in the earthquakes. Pray for their physical and emotional healing, and for God's comfort and strength to be with them during this difficult time.
  • Pray for the relief efforts. Pray for the churches, aid workers, and organizations providing assistance to those affected by the earthquakes. Ask God to give them the resources, wisdom, compassion and courage they need to carry out their work effectively.
  • Pray for the affected areas. Pray for the local communities in Turkey and Syria that have been impacted by the earthquakes. Ask God to give them the resilience and strength they need to rebuild their homes and their lives, and to provide for their basic needs.
  • Pray for peace and reconciliation. Pray for harmony in the region, so the people of Turkey and Syria may be able to live in safety and security. Ask God to inspire leaders and individuals to work towards justice, healing, and reconciliation.
Provide Spiritual and Emotional Support

Another way churches can help is to offer spiritual and emotional support to those affected by the earthquakes. Though this disaster occurred in the Middle East, there may be people living in your community who have lost a loved one or had a loved one impacted by the tragedy. Trauma and grief can leave a lasting impact on individuals and communities, and churches can provide a safe space for people to gather to pray, reflect, and seek comfort.

Church leaders can offer memorial services and organize support groups to help individuals process their experiences and emotions. To learn more how to provide biblically-informed, evidence-informed, and trauma-informed peer-to-peer spiritual and emotional care, consider getting certified in Spiritual First Aid.

Give

Churches can use their networks to mobilize resources and bring relief to those affected by the earthquakes. This can involve fundraising campaigns, donations, and volunteering efforts. Churches can leverage their local and international connections to reach out to Christian organizations and relief agencies and support their work on the ground.

There are several Christian relief organizations actively responding to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, providing aid and support to the affected communities. Here are some organizations we recommend:

  • World Vision is a global Christian humanitarian organization that has been responding to emergencies and disasters around the world for many years. They’re currently working in Turkey and Syria to provide emergency relief, including food, water, shelter, and medical care.
  • Samaritan's Purse is a Christian relief organization that provides aid and assistance to those affected by natural disasters, war, poverty, and other crises. They’re working in Turkey and Syria to provide emergency shelter, hygiene kits, and other essential items.
  • Christian Aid is a UK-based Christian charity that works to end poverty and promote justice around the world. They’re working in Turkey and Syria to provide emergency relief, including food, water, and shelter.
  • Tearfund is a Christian charity that works to reduce poverty and support vulnerable communities around the world. They’re working in Turkey and Syria to provide emergency relief, including food, water, and shelter.
Advocate for Sustainable Development

Churches can advocate for policy changes that address the root causes of the earthquakes and promote sustainable development. This can involve calling for improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection measures. Churches can also support local organizations working towards these goals to create positive change. By advocating for long-term solutions, churches can demonstrate their commitment to biblical justice and the common good.

Our churches can play a crucial role in relief efforts by praying, providing emotional support, giving, and advocating for long-term solutions. In doing so, we can demonstrate the transformative power of our faith and work towards creating a more just and peaceful world.

The Better Samaritan blog is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, a research institute which specializes in resilience and spiritual fortitude. To learn more and apply for a M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D. and Kent Annan, M.Div. are the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid. They also co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.