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Akron, PA
MCC, Christians respond to Turkey earthquakes


Mennonite Central Committee is working closely with partner agencies in the Middle East to decide the best way to respond to the earthquake that shattered Turkey Aug. 17.

MCC has no workers or projects in Turkey. As well, many other relief agencies are already working in the devastated region. MCC does not want to duplicate ongoing relief efforts.

The quake measured 7.4 on the Richter scale. Aftershocks continue to ravage the area around Izmit. An Aug. 31 aftershock, registering 5.2, crumbled already weakened buildings and caused 166 injuries and one death. This shock was the strongest of 1,000 reported aftershocks in the last two weeks. 600,000 people were left homeless by the series of quakes. At the end of August, relief workers counted 14,200 dead. Unsanitary conditions still threaten the health of those left homeless by the quakes. The destruction is reported to cover an area 175 miles long by 20 miles wide.

The Middle East Council of Churches, with whom MCC works closely, has sent a staff person to Turkey to investigate possible responses. MCC is also investigating ways to work through a Syrian partner, and is consulting with North American Mennonite agencies working in Turkey.

MCC is accepting donations for relief efforts in Turkey and will either use contributions for MCC program or channel them through other organizations.

Meanwhile, Christian Aid is working with an all-Turkish rescue team of native missionaries and local church volunteers, and is collecting funds from US churches, individuals and groups who want to help Turkish Christians already working on the scene.

Bob Finley, chair of Christian Aid, is monitoring delivery of the emergency aid to local missionaries in Turkey. “Help is needed right now to save lives. We are supplying funds to Turkish teams so they can buy supplies in towns outside the area and deliver them to those hardest hit.”

The quake rocked areas containing half the population of the country. Turkish teams being supported through Christian Aid relief efforts are helping victims in towns and cities from Istanbul to Izmit.

“Many Christians were living in the earthquake areas,” said one of the men leading the efforts, “and we are working to help the survivors – especially children.

“We have two trucks carrying the injured from Istanbul to hospitals outside the quake zone and bringing relief supplies back to the victims. God gave us experience from last year’s quake in eastern Turkey to be a big help now. We have cancelled everything else to give food, Bibles and comfort to these victims in the name of Christ. They are receiving us gladly with sincere appreciation.”  – MCC, Christian Aid and Evangelical Press News Service

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Last modified September 28, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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