early response in Turkey & Syria2/16/2023 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 & hope2/9/2023  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. 21 Days of Prayer2/3/2023 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. |
