Back in early February, two powerful earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria causing tens of thousands of deaths. Millions more saw their homes reduced to rubble. For many Syrians already living in extreme poverty and traumatised by conflict, it was devastating. This week, pray for people in the region as they continue to recover and rebuild, and for our teams and partners responding.
Sunday 28 May
Churches in Aleppo, Syria, have spent years supporting people devastated by more than a decade of conflict. In the months following the earthquakes, they have continued to offer a lifeline to people of all faiths. Lord, we thank you for your church in Aleppo and churches across Syria. Give them the strength to carry on when faced with such huge challenges.
Monday 29 May
Tearfund staff found Saleh in a wheelchair in a church courtyard in Syria, covered with blankets to stave off the cold. ‘Our home is damaged and we’re waiting to see if we can move back,’ says Saleh. ‘Thankfully, we came to the church and found shelter, food and other goods.’ Give thanks for the church opening its doors to people in greatest need like Saleh.
Tuesday 30 May
‘On the night of the earthquake, we were all asleep,’ says Saleh. His two daughters realised what was happening. Saleh told them to run, as he couldn’t use his legs. They found a young man nearby who carried Saleh out of danger. Pray that the most vulnerable people recovering in Syria will be found and cared for.
Wednesday 31 May
‘I was sleeping when I fell off the bed, and my mum told us that it was an earthquake,’ says eleven-year-old Tala. ‘I started saying, “Christ, Christ, be with us.”’ With their home destroyed, Tala’s family found shelter at their local church. Lord Jesus, we ask you to protect people like Tala, who have already suffered so much growing up among conflict.
Thursday 1 June
‘My little son totally refuses to sit inside,’ says Essam from Syria. ‘He spends all his time outside in the churchyard and his mother brings him inside after he sleeps.’ Pray for the success of Tearfund and our partner’s work providing support to traumatised people like Essam’s son.
Friday 2 June
‘With love and respect, we wish to get through these difficult days, and I wish safety to all,’ says Mrs Hiba, whose home was already damaged in the Syrian conflict. It was destroyed in the earthquake, but her mother and children escaped. Lord, we thank you for the determination of people like Mrs Hiba. Give them the strength and support to rebuild.
Saturday 3 June
Lord, we remember and pray for people whose lives were devastated in the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and particularly for those still mourning loved ones. Give Tearfund and our partners the determination and resources to identify and reach people in greatest need. Amen.
NB People's names have been changed this week to protect their identities.
