Prayers and Support Needed for the People of Syria and Turkey

Dear Friends of the Notre Dame Sisters,

Our prayers and support are urgently needed, following the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed over 11,000 people and left many more injured and homeless. The scale of destruction is vast, and details are still emerging. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the affected regions in Turkey and Syria are home to around 23 million people including 1.4 million children. They may be far from our shores but as Christians, we feel them as family. We join all people of faith and good will in deep concern.

There is a pressing need for shelter. Many people left their homes suddenly, and in countless cases can’t return, either because their houses have been destroyed, or unsafe. There is a sense of panic, including among children. Many people remain outside in streets and open areas. The vulnerabilities are coupled on top of harsh winter condition are making it unbearable for many.

Damage to roads and public infrastructure has made the work of emergency teams more difficult and has slowed the relief effort.

Health facilities are impacted and overwhelmed, and medical personnel in northern Syria are working around the clock to respond to the huge numbers of wounded arriving to the facilities.

PRAYER

Let us pray together with the people of Syria and Turkey
God, Gracious and All Merciful,
You are in the midst of those who suffer.
May the people in Syria and Turkey affected by this devastating earthquake feel your healing presence.

God, you are in the hands of those who reach out.
Help the brave search and rescue teams in their courageous work.

God, you are in the hearts of those compassionate ones,
Whose prayers cry out for their families,
Whose prayers cry out for their neighbors,
Whose prayers cry out even for strangers,
Bless and comfort those who mourn.

God, we know you go before these victims of tragedy, paving their way in graciousness. Motivate Your people to love generously, as an act of love to You. Provide comfort, relief, shelter, safe recovery for the injured, and human kindness.

God, we pray that Your people do not politicize any of this, and instead focus on getting aid out to the people who so desperately need it.

Restore the happiness and necessities taken by this overwhelming earthquake and give Your people peace of mind. Open our own hearts towards them in sacrificial generosity.

We ask this in your name, Amen.

Action

Before you make a donation, especially to lesser-known organizations, we advise you to do some research to make sure it is reputable. Many national and international organizations are helping. Below are reputable organizations taking donations.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, better known as UNICEF, said it is in Syria and prioritizing water, sanitation, hygiene and nutrition, and also focusing on helping unaccompanied children locate their families. UNICEF is accepting donations.

Global Giving, which helps local nonprofit agencies, is collecting donations to help fund emergency medical workers’ ability to provide food, shelter and medicine, among other necessities. As needs in Turkey and Syria change, the organization will focus on long-term assistance. Donate to Global Giving.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is requesting donations for its Disaster Response Emergency Fund so it can send “immediate cash assistance.” Donate now.