Analysis. Last week a massive earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria. In its wake are multitudes dealing with loss of loved ones, injury, homelessness, fear, and anger. Christians — already under pressure in both nations — are on the front lines serving their communities and they need our prayerful support.

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The 7.8 magnitude earthquake and serious aftershocks ripped through areas of southern Turkey and northern Syria that had not suffered such a blast in 200 years. It was so powerful that tremors were reportedly felt all the way in Egypt. In the region around its epicenter many buildings — unprepared for such a quake — were leveled in the early morning hours of February 6 while families were home sleeping. As recovery efforts continue the death toll has steadily grown and it is now clear the quake claimed at least 40,000 lives. Hundreds of thousands more are displaced.

One World Vision staffer already living in the troubled region reported, “While we were sleeping, the house started shaking. I immediately ran to my children… a minute of time was like years of helplessness and fear, and the fear continues with the aftershocks. Most of the people are on the streets in the snow and rain, with many destroyed buildings, many victims, and many still trapped under the rubble.”

Local church congregations were among the first to spring into action for their communities. For example, Christianity Today highlighted one Istanbul-based Christian, Gokhan Talas, rallying aid and meeting immediate needs through the on-the-ground work of a Turkish Protestant aid group called First Hope Association.

“God have mercy on us, Christ have mercy,” Talas said to CT. “This is our only spiritual reflection right now.”

In Antakya — known as Antioch in the Bible — most buildings, particularly in the old quarter, collapsed. But one of the few standing is St. Peter and Paul church, and it is now welcoming those in need regardless of religious background. Similarly, churches in the northwest Syrian city of Aleppo are opening their doors to their neighbors needing food, water, warmth, and shelter.

One local Aleppo partner of Open Doors, an organization focused on supporting persecuted Christians worldwide, highlighted how churches are trying to help. He said people are in shock and many — himself included — are living on the streets.

“We want the love of Christ to be reflected in what we are doing,” he told Open Doors. “It’s a good opportunity to embrace the people — and to bring greater unity between the churches, because all churches are now working together to serve Christians living in Aleppo and helping them to survive.”

It’s worth noting here that neither Turkey nor Syria were particularly hospitable places for Christians before the earthquake. On Open Doors’ World Watch List Turkey ranks at number forty-one for the significant discrimination Christians face, especially in inland areas. Syria, which is still in the throws of civil war, lands at number twelve on the list as Christians face intimidation and worse from numerous parties — not the least of which are resurgent arms of ISIS and… Turkish military forces.

But again that is not stopping the our brothers and sisters in Christ who are there in Syria and Turkey.

“Now is the time when people will be reaching out to God,” Demokan Kileci of First Hope Association told CT. “And the church must be ready to show them the love of Christ.”

International Christian Concern, another organization that supports persecuted Christians around the world, suggests this prayer:

In an area where Christians are heavily persecuted, we pray for our brothers and sisters to be a light to their neighbors and those who have previously persecuted them. We pray our brothers and sisters show the compassion and love of Christ and to stir their persecutors’ hearts to desire to know You. We pray for the strength of our brothers and sisters and for them to seek refuge in You.  

Amen. In this time of trial may we pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who have already experienced so much pain and loss. May they be comforted and protected as they grieve and suffer after the quake, and as they seek to help their neighbors — some who may have been adversaries just days before but can now see the light and love of Christ in action.

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Aaron Mercer is a Contributing Writer with two decades of experience in Washington, D.C.’s public policy arena. Photo Credit: Getty Images.