02/07/2023 Turkey and Syria (International Christian Concern) – By now, all of us have heard of the deadly earthquakes in southern Turkey and northern Syria. As widespread relief efforts get underway, ICC is monitoring and exploring ways to serve Christians affected by the disaster through its staff and partners on the ground.
As a ministry that serves the persecuted, we are no strangers to pain and suffering. We recognize that our core mission is to serve persecuted believers throughout the world, and not necessarily those suffering from natural disasters. In times like this, we come alongside each other in prayer.
In tragedies like this, Christians can be a witness for Christ as they serve their communities. They can demonstrate the example of Christ’s love with their neighbors, even with their persecutors, who are all suffering through this shared catastrophe.
Would you join us in prayer for our suffering brothers and sisters in this region?
Lord,
You hear the cries of the many who are suffering from the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We pray collectively for all those who know You, those who desire to know You, and those who do not know You. We pray for the thousands who have died who didn’t know Christ, and we pray for those who did. We pray for the families who have lost loved ones and those who don’t know if their loved ones are alive or dead. We pray for the first responders, both to save as many lives as possible and for their own well-being.
In an area where Christians are heavily persecuted, we pray for our brothers and sisters to be a light to their neighbors and those who have previously persecuted them. We pray our brothers and sisters show the compassion and love of Christ and to stir their persecutors’ hearts to desire to know You. We pray for the strength of our brothers and sisters and for them to seek refuge in You.
We pray for all those who are searching for warm shelter in the midst of a cold, snowy winter. We pray that you open doors and provide resources such as food, shelter, and blankets. We pray for aid in an area that has been the victim of a decades-long war that already had limited infrastructure.
Lord, please guide our organization to use its resources wisely to aid our suffering brothers and sisters in this heavily persecuted area.
Amen.
