Responding to the Earthquake
Dear Stillmeadow Family and Friends,
Greetings in the strong name of our Resurrected King, the Alpha and Omega, the friend of Sinners, the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ.
This week the countries of Turkey and Syria have been hit with a devastating earthquake. What can we do in the face of such tragedy? Here are a few ways to respond.
GRIEVE
Pour out your feelings of hurt and sadness about the loss of life. Tell God how horrible you think this is. Remember He is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
SUPPORT FINANCIALLY
The Church of the Nazarene has been ministering in Syria for 100 years, especially reaching out to refugees and those in need (read this article for a brief history). We have the opportunity to partner with them in serving those in need. The initial response is focused on distributing food, providing needed supplies like blankets, and sheltering people whose homes were destroyed. To support the Church of the Nazarene’s response to the devastating earthquake in Syria, please donate now by giving to the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Earthquake Crisis Fund: https://give.ncm.org/donate/140021
SEND CRISIS CARE KITS
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries provides quick help by having Crisis Care Kits ready to distribute in times of need. You can help by creating and donating Crisis Care Kits.
1 Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.) tape flip top
2 Bars of Soap (bath size or larger)
1 Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)
3 Toothbrushes (in original packaging)
1 Box of Band-Aids (30 or more)
1 Fingernail clipper (no toenail clipper)
1 Sturdy hair comb for all hair types
2 Hand towels
4 Pocket-sized pkgs. facial tissue
1 Beanie Baby-size stuffed toy
Each Crisis Care Kit (CCK) should contain only the items/quantities listed. $2 donation per kit will pay shipping. (Donation for shipping can be placed in offering box)
Place all items into a 2-2.5-gallon zip-lock bag. You can drop your kit off in the room for compassionate ministry donations.
This list can also be found at www.stillnaz.com/crisis-care-kit
REMEMBER GOD’S PROMISES
When we are confronted with this kind of news, it can stir up the sadness and fear. Christians counter the fear of the unknown with what we do know. Here are some helpful verses that we can say aloud when we are afraid.
Proverbs 3:5–”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Jeremiah 29:11, 13–”For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
John 14:27–”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Hebrews 13:5b–God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
PRAY
Cover the victims, their loved ones, the churches, the government, the aid workers in prayer.
If you don’t know what to pray, use the Psalms to pray. Consider Psalm 31, 46, & 55.
And if you need prayer, let us know at www.stillnaz.com/pray.
“The Lord Almighty is with us” (Psalm 46:11)
“[Our] times are in [His] hands” (Psalm 31:15) so,
“Cast your cares on the Lord, and He will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Josh and the Stillmeadow Pastoral Team