Along with the rest of the world, our hearts have broken for the people of Türkiye and Syria who have been impacted by the devastating earthquake. In our recent Sunday services we launched an emergency global appeal through our longstanding partner World Vision, who are working rapidly to respond to the needs of quake survivors, including children and families who’ve already been displaced by conflict. You can also give online to our Türkiye Syria Appeal. 

This past week, many of you will have heard the tragic news of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake and deadly aftershocks striking south-eastern Türkiye and north-west Syria on Monday 6 February. Sadly, things are getting worse not better. We are now being told that 23 million people could be affected across the region. To date, over 33,000 lives have been lost and thousands more people have been injured.

Hillsong Church has generously partnered with World Vision throughout the Syrian refugee crisis, and we will continue to partner and work with them in this devastating situation.  Right now, World Vision is working rapidly to assess the needs of quake survivors, including children and families who’ve already been displaced by conflict. They have begun distributing fuel and heating supplies to emergency shelters to help the vulnerable survive sub-zero temperatures.  They are focussing on providing survivors with access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, healthcare, shelter and protection.

Please lift up in prayer the children and families who have been affected by this devastating earthquake. Please also pray for the humanitarian workers who are rushing to their aid and who will stay with them in the difficult days ahead. Please give what you can to help meet the needs of vulnerable children and their families in Türkiye and Syria.

To understand more about what’s going on and how we can help, watch this video message from World Vision Australia CEO Daniel Wordsworth.