The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to send relief to earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria with the help of several global organizations.
Since the February 6 quakes hit, the assistance provided by the Church has totaled more than US$5 million.
“The losses and suffering caused by these earthquakes have been staggering,” said the Church’s Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé. “Our hearts and prayers truly go out to our brothers and sisters in Türkiye and Syria. We are deeply grateful that we as a Church have the means to help them now and in their long journey to rebuild.”
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Church’s area office in Germany is sending 40 large tents (each of which can accommodate 20 people) to Türkiye, along with a generous supply of clothing for men, women and children.
“It’s wonderful when members of society of different faiths work together to provide help,” said Abdullah Kaya, a member of Frankfurt’s Foreigners Advisory Council.
The Turkish Consulate in Frankfurt has created a collection center to ensure reliable delivery of donations from Germany to earthquake victims.
Other Church-supported aid to Türkiye is being provided through organizations such as Project HOPE and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). This includes food, water, shelter, health clinics, heaters, coats, medical supplies, hygiene kits, blankets, baby items and generators.
In Syria, the Church is supporting the work of organizations such as MedGlobal, Mercy Corps, the International Medical Corps and Rahma Worldwide. This includes medical care for tens of thousands of people, along with food, water, shelter, blankets, fuel, hygiene kits, baby supplies and sanitation services.
“This response is a manifestation of our commitment to the two great commandments. We show our love to God by reaching out to provide relief to His children, whatever their location or background,” said Blaine R. Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services. “It would be hard to overstate our gratitude for the wonderful aid organizations who work alongside us to make this response possible, or to the members and friends of the Church who give so generously in these times of great need.”
Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ
Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints relieves suffering, fosters self-reliance and provides opportunities for service. It follows the admonition of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, take in the stranger, clothe the naked and visit the sick and afflicted.
The Church’s humanitarian outreach is made possible by the generous donations and volunteerism of Latter-day Saints and friends of the faith. More than 6 million hours of labor are contributed each year by volunteers in support of welfare initiatives.
The Church sponsors relief and development projects in more than 180 countries and territories and gives assistance without regard to race, religious affiliation or nationality. Aid is based on the core principles of personal responsibility, community support, self-reliance and sustainability.
The projects in Türkiye and Syria are funded in part by LDS Charities Australia.