FZS Relief Work in Turkey

FZS Relief Work in Turkey

FZS Ministry Updates

February 23, 2023

FZS Relief Work in Turkey

Israeli Humanitarian Aid to Turkey

We truly had an amazing time ministering through outreach in Turkey after the devastating 7.4 Earthquake rocked the Eastern part of the country causing extensive damage. The quake effected hundreds of miles and dozens of cities resulting in more than 47,000 deaths to date. Our time began with helping the Israeli Field Hospital that was set up for emergency medical treatment as search and rescue teams scoured the hardest hit areas. Unfortunately, “there were threats against the delegation to kidnap people and hold them ransom” (IDF Spokesman)… As a result, the IDF team made a quick and unannounced evacuation home the second day we were there.

We then focused our attention on food distribution amongst those isolated from the city centers where aid was pouring in from the Turkish Aid Organization AFAD who are really doing an amazing job of helping many thousands of victims. We connected with the church in Malatya who were organizing outreach with food and supplies to the affected mountain people who were cut off from help. Also from this fellowship, we received a supply of bibles and other material to distribute. PLEASE PRAY FOR PROTECTION OVER THIS FELLOWSHIP!

Bradley and Achmet our translator at the church in Malatya

Preparing aid packages with our Turkish brothers for distribution at the church

Here are some of the pictures of our aid distribution, you will see most of the people are forced to live in tents as their homes were completely destroyed or are structurally unsafe to live in. We found the people so gracious and thankful that we remembered them.

Bradley bringing For Zion’s Sake food aid to Turkey

For Zion's Sake Ministries bringing hop to Turkish earthquake survivors

For Zion’s Sake Ministries bringing hope to Turkish earthquake survivors

This hero saved 2 people trapped in a collapsed building – we blessed him with new boots

Food Distribution

We also did outreach in the hardest hit city of Hatay (known as Antioch in the Bible). The devastation we witnessed here was almost unimaginable. It is very hard to describe the extent of the damage we witnessed in words. Upon our arrival, we could already sense a foul smell in the air from bodies that were still trapped under the rubble.

Devastation everywhere in Antioch

Devastation everywhere in Antioch

Waiting for the next victim to be found under the rubble

This has been an incredible experience observing just how resilient the Turkish people are even in the face of such calamity. On a personal level, the friendships we have made and our hearts that bonded through the suffering will now last us a lifetime!

Perhaps this blurry photo sums up our time well spent in Turkey… Here you can see the happiness and smiles that a little love and caring can bring to the faces of those who have just lost everything.

May the Lord Bless and continue to help Turkey recover from this awful tragedy in the days, weeks, months, and years to come!