Christians in Syria and Turkey Call for Prayer After Deadly Earthquake

Churches in Turkey and Syria are calling for Christians around the world to pray, after the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has killed over 30,000 people.

The international Christian organisation Open Doors said their church partners have been among the first responders to the earthquake, which is said to be the most powerful in the region for over 80 years.

Ibrahim Najjar, an Open Doors partner in Aleppo, described the severity of the earthquake, saying, “we all felt death was imminent”.

He asked for prayers for church leaders and members.

“We know of two priests who are stuck under the rubble in Aleppo, please pray for them," he said. "We have also heard of at least two Christians, a mother and her son, killed in Aleppo because their house collapsed. Please pray for their family and friends.”

Open Doors CEO, Adam Holland said that the earthquake was still wreaking havoc when his team spoke on the phone with one of their local partners.

"Only 30 seconds into the call there was screaming in the background and he managed to say ‘it's happening again’ before the line was cut. It was another earthquake,” he said.

“We ask all Christians to join us in praying for those impacted by this tragedy. We are praying for those who mourn and grieve loved ones; those who are injured; and for the ongoing rescue efforts.

“We are calling on believers to pray that the church would rely on God's strength and that His people would reach out in love to those who need it most."

Christians are urged to join with the local church in praying for all who are affected: the injured, traumatised or grieving.

Please pray:

• That survivors would be quickly rescued, and for all emergency and medical staff
• For the church and Open Doors partners to be beacons of hope, and equipped to help their communities
• For all who mourn to be comforted.

Main image: Open Doors partner, Father Fadi on the ground in Latakia, Syria.