Crisis Response
MOROCCO & LIBYA
September 2023
Morocco and Libya have been struck by devasting natural disasters. The unprecedented floods in Libya follow a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Morocco. Please join us in prayer for the people of Morocco and Libya.
WE PRAY FOR LIBYA
We lift up our brothers and sisters in Libya as massive flooding in the city of Derna has killed over 6,000 with over 20,000 still missing. Over 30,000 have been displaced from their homes.
The believers in Libya are strong, but not able to gather regularly, so responding communally at times like this is challenging. We stand with the believers who are seeking to help and support their neighbours in whatever way they are able.
We Pray:
- That people who have been driven from their homes will find safe places to go and that they will be received in other parts of their country.
- For the divided government in this country to find unity to work together to help their people during this time of tragedy.
- That those who are missing will be found by their loved ones.
- Against the spread of water-borne disease that often comes with flooding.
- That believers will be strengthened to help their neighbours.
WE PRAY FOR MOROCCO
We pray for the people of Morocco who lost their homes and communities when an earthquake hit the mountainous region of the county.
Most of those affected lived in small rural villages with traditional mud brick houses which could not withstand the tremors. Entire villages have been devastated and the residents are isolated and trapped due to their locations.
There are no Christian organizations that are operating in Morocco and the government of Morocco has been very selective about the aid it is willing to accept. We continue to support through earnest prayer.
We Pray:
- That villagers affected by this disaster will use their strong communal practices to help one another during this tragedy.
- That rescuers will be able to access the affected villages with aid as travel is difficult and treacherous.
- That the government will have wisdom to best know how to support their people at this time.
SUDAN
April 2023
Armed conflict broke out between rival factions of the military government, escalating quickly to violence and hundreds dead, leaving civilians of Sudan without basic necessities. Sudan is teetering on the brink of another civil war.
We are in conversation with our contacts in Sudan and the region to assess the situation and see how best to respond.
VIOLENCE & CONFLICT
On April 15, an armed conflict between rival factions of the military government of Sudan erupted. The fighting began with attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on key government sites. Airstrikes, artillery and gunfire were reported across Sudan including in Khartoum. As of 23 April 2023, both the RSF leader and Sudan’s de facto leader and army chief claimed control of several key government sites, including the general military headquarters, the Presidential Palace and Khartoum International Airport. The conflict between the two generals has led Sudan to the brink of renewed civil war, and it has been referred to as a “burgeoning civil war”. The fighting has so far caused over 600 deaths and thousands of injuries, leaving the citizens of Sudan without basic necessities like food, water, and medical aid. It is a devastating situation indeed. The streets of Khartoum are now filled with dead bodies and hospitals can’t handle the number of those who are injured. Innocent lives are being ripped. Families are torn apart, and children are robbed of their dreams of a bright future. So far, more than 75% of hospitals in the affected area have been destroyed, leaving the people of Sudan without access to medical assistance.
WE PRAY
The people and leaders of Sudan urgently need the prayers and support of the global church.
- Pray for peace: the conflict between two leaders has paralyzed the whole country.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in Sudan: for protection, for provision and for God’s tangible presence with them.
- Pray for the forcibly displaced people, who are running for their lives.
TURKIYE & SYRIA
On February 6, 2023, record-breaking earthquakes rocked Türkiye and parts of Syria. The death toll continues to rise, with thousands injured and displaced.
We are in conversation with our contacts in Türkiye and Syria to assess the situation and see how we can best respond.
WE PRAY
Please continue to pray for:
- Blankets and warm meals for survivors
- Warm shelter, as the earthquake hit at the height of winter
- Recovery from trauma – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual
- The local churches to be salt and light as they respond and share their resources generously
UKRAINE
April 3, 2022 Update
In March, our Global Mission Pastor and Youth Pastor followed God’s leading to visit our partners in Ukraine. Watch Pastor Hartley’s update below to learn more about our partners and how we are together in God’s global mission.
WE PRAY
We Pray:
- For protection and safety for the people.
- For wisdom and courage for world leaders to find peace.
- For God to be present and for the Christians in Ukraine to be the light of Christ in the country in the midst of darkness.
RESPONSE
Due to your ongoing faithful giving, we have already been able to offer support to our partners who are ministering to the people of Ukraine.
We are supporting the efforts of the Church within Ukraine through Tearfund’s network of local churches for the provision of food and necessary supplies. We are also supporting the efforts of our partners in Moldova who are welcoming thousands of refugees from Ukraine daily.
We have longstanding relationship with our partners who are ministering in these situations and continue to pray for strength and wisdom as they serve the people of Ukraine in the name of Jesus during these very difficult days.
If you would like to support financially, please send contributions to our Global Mission Fund.
AFGHANISTAN
August 2021
VIOLENCE & CONFLICT
Now with the country in a state of turmoil the danger for Christians increases exponentially. Many of them will be forced to leave the communities they love. Others, particularly women who are secret believers in Muslim households, must remain in threatening surroundings.
WE PRAY
For more information about how to pray with believers in Afghanistan click here.
Click here to watch a video from Open Doors about the importance and power of praying with our brothers and sisters.
HAITI
August 2021
EARTHQUAKE
This disaster comes following many months of civil unrest. Even as the people of Haiti seek to recover, tropical storms threaten to bring torrential rain, flooding, and landslides.
RESPONSE
As we pray, we can also show the love of Christ in practical ways to our brothers and sisters.
Our partners at Tearfund will be working in close coordination with 12 Christian organizations to provide emergency shelter, sanitation, water, and food. Tearfund is responsible for administering a three-month food assistance program to those made most vulnerable by this disaster.
If you are led to support this response financially, please send funds to Global Mission at The Peoples Church and we will ensure that our partners at Tearfund have the resources to be able to feed the hungry.
