News reports this week tell us of massive earthquakes that have brought death and destruction to parts of Turkey and Syria. Death toll estimates say that over 11,000 persons have perished, and the number of those injured is pushing 40,000. These numbers will only increase in the coming days. We ask for your prayers for all whom this event has impacted and for those who are coming to their aid. We do not have a Moravian presence in either of these countries and thus do not have connections with folks on the ground with whom we can deal directly. But if you feel led to give to this cause, the Board of World Mission will send your donations to the region using one of our trusted ecumenical partners.
We share with you portions of a prayer that the Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller distributed to congregations in the Northern Province in response to this disaster. In addition to being the President of the Provincial Elders’ Conference, she is also a member of our Board of Directors.
O God of all creation, we pray for the victims of a natural disaster, whose magnitude is horrific and still unfolding. Cradle the people of this land in your embrace. Comfort the bereaved, bring hope to those who are praying to be found, grant strength and stamina and perseverance to rescuers and all who are lending aid, open the hearts of the world to offer support that brings all that is needed to bring relief and a future that, right now, feels beyond reach. AMEN.
Those in the US can send checks to Board of World Mission, 1021 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. You may also donate online at http://moravianmission.org/give/ and click on the green “Give” button at the top of the page. Please use the memo line to indicate that your gift is for “Moravian Disaster Response/Earthquake.”
Canadians can send checks to: Moravian Church in Canada, 600 Acadia Drive SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0B8. Interac e-Transfer donations may be sent to [email protected]. In the comments section, please mark this donation as “Moravian Disaster Response/Earthquake” and include your name and address to receive a tax receipt.
