LCC urges prayer amid earthquake devastation in Turkey and Syria

ACT Alliance/GOPA-DERD

[Editor’s Note: This article includes numbers from early reports. As of February 9, 2023, CLWR reports that the death toll from this tragedy has risen dramatically to over 20,000 and is climbing by thousands daily.]

Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is urging its members to lift up the people of Turkey and Syria in prayer as they deal with the aftermath of a massive and deadly earthquake on February 6, 2023. 

According to an emergency release from Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), “early reports indicate over 5,000 deaths and thousands more injuries with these numbers expected to rise significantly.” Key infrastructure, including residential buildings, roads and power grids, have been destroyed, leaving civilians homeless and trapped. The World Health Organization estimates that upwards of 23 million people have been affected by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

CLWR has joined forces with other Canadian charities, through the Humanitarian Coalition, to appeal for funds to assist those in need and support rescue efforts. CLWR stated: “Our focus right now is to provide blankets, shelter, life-saving clean water, food and healthcare.” Donations can be made by phoning the CLWR office at 1-800-661-2597 (Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. CDT) or via clwr.org/earthquake.

“Thank God I am ok, but the city’s situation is terrible,” Nicholas told the seminary. “Most of the buildings are collapsed. Every 10 minutes we have aftershocks. There is no food and clean water.”

In a release today, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (St. Catharines) reported one of its remote Master of Theological Studies students has been caught in the midst of the destruction, and that his home in Gazientep was at the epicentre of the earthquake.

“Thank God I am ok, but the city’s situation is terrible,” Nicholas told the seminary. “Most of the buildings are collapsed. Every 10 minutes we have aftershocks. There is no food and clean water.” He added, “My body and soul are tired. May our Lord Jesus help us to pass this hard situation.”

LCC’s President Timothy Teuscher is calling on all congregations to lift up those affected by the current disaster in prayer, and offers the following prayer option:

Almighty God, merciful Father, Your thoughts are not our thoughts, and Your ways are not our ways. In Your infinite wisdom which is beyond our understanding, You have permitted this disastrous earthquake to befall the people in Turkey and Syria. Direct all efforts to attend to the injured. Console the bereaved. Protect the helpless, deliver all who are still in danger, and give courage and steadfastness to the relief and aid workers. Bring hope and healing to the suffering that they may find relief and restoration. Open our hearts that we would provide necessary aid to those who are afflicted and distressed by this disaster. All this we ask through the bitter sufferings and death of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You, one God, now and forever.

———————

Print this article