‘After 15 days, half of the people here will die, freeze to death’
Earthquake survivor, from Reuters report Thursday 27th October, 2011
Dear Friends,
As you will have seen on your television screens an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale has devastated the region of Van, in Eastern Turkey where for several years we have had a church.
Today the death toll stands at 535. As the survivor told the Reuters reporter, this could rise dramatically. The number of injured is 2,300, and thousands are sleeping out in the open air in near freezing temperatures. They need urgent medical attention, food, tents, and blankets.
Whenever disaster has struck the Iran region, I have always believed that Christians must do something if they can. The municipality in Van has asked for our assistance and I know we can make a difference.
Elam wants to send in teams of Iranian Christians who are in the region to help the thousands who have lost their loved ones and their homes.
If you are able to partner with us, I would be very grateful. Please send your donation marked ‘Van Relief Fund’. We will use your gifts to provide emergency care, food and shelter for survivors.
Yours in His grip,
Rev. Sam Yeghnazar
PS. Please pray for the church in Van, the first in the city for over a hundred years. Thankfully none of our people were hurt. When the quake struck they rushed out of their homes and spent several nights in the church compound. Some of the women and children have now been sent to safer places, but the men have stayed. They are eager to do all they can to help their neighbours.