Week of Compassion
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early response in Turkey & Syria

2/16/2023

Only 10 days after catastrophic earthquakes shook Turkey & Syria, more than 40,000 people are dead and 80,000 more injured. Tens of thousands of buildings that remain standing cannot be used for fear of collapse.

Syrian refugees welcomed into Turkey over the last decade and longer, fleeing ongoing conflict in Syria, have settled primarily in the Turkish provinces that are now those most hard-hit by last week’s earthquake. UNICEF has called it ‘a humanitarian emergency on top of a humanitarian crisis’. Syrian children who are 12 years old and younger have never known a time without disaster and sustained emergency.

As the numbers climb past our imagining, and even frequent media images can’t capture the scope of the destruction, the faithful work and unfailing commitment of our global ecumenical partners provides images of hope in the midst of such loss. 

The Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch - one of Week of Compassion’s partners through ACT Alliance - was recently in Aleppo and other affected areas, inspecting the situation of affected families receiving assistance and shelter. GOPA-DERD is intentional to provide immediate aid as well as review the emergency response work and assistance provided, listening to needs to ensure that communities are cared for most effectively. 

In addition to ready-to-eat meals, hygiene kits, warm clothes and winterization kits, and baby food, clothes, and diapers, partners through ACT Alliance are also providing medical care and consultation, equipment and medications, and psychosocial and trauma care for children and adults. 

Week of Compassion remains in close contact with colleagues and ecumenical partners responding in the affected communities, ensuring that immediate needs are met and that systems and responses are in place for the extensive long-term recovery that is ahead. 

Gifts to Week of Compassion designated ‘earthquakes’ will be used 100%
​to respond now and in the efforts to come.
 

on lament & hope

2/9/2023

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Many friends in ministry are rethinking the Sunday School, small group, or even sermon plans for this weekend. In the wake of unfathomable loss in Turkey, Syria, and the region, how can we find a word to name such pain and sorrow? How can we possibly see God in the midst of it all?

Months ago, Rev. Dr. Casey Thornburgh Sigmon created a powerful reflection on this year's Special Offering text, Lamentations 3:21-23. Her insight to the scripture, questions for thoughtful response, and reminders that lament and hope co-exist in most every moment, might be just what you need.

Find the Sermon Starter & Scripture Commentary in the Planning & Resource Guide, along with all other materials, at our Special Offering Resources Page, and by direct download.

 

a prayer for Turkey & Syria

2/6/2023

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21 Days of Prayer

2/3/2023

Week of Compassion is grateful to be included in the 21 Days of Prayer project created by the Disciples' Reconciliation Ministry.

Raiza Spratt, Disaster Response Organizer with Week of Compassion, offered the prayer for Day 20.
 

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Week of Compassion 
P.O. Box 1986 
Indianapolis, IN 46206
Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.
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  • Home
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Staff
    • Board of Stewards
    • From The Executive Director
  • Action
    • Domestic Disaster Response & Preparedness >
      • How To Prepare For A Disaster
    • International Disaster Response
    • Refugee and Immigrant Response
    • Sustainable Development
    • COVID-19 Response
  • Stories
  • Resources
    • Special Offering >
      • Special Offering 2023
    • Worship Material
    • Media
    • Logos
    • Special Offering Archives
  • Get Involved
    • Ways to Give >
      • Circle of Compassion
      • Endowments
    • Invite Us to Your Church
    • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Contact Us