February 10, 2023
Dear Friends in Christ in the Iowa Conference,
The number of dead from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, has already exceeded 20,000. That is not to mention the many injured, as well as the homes and infrastructure the quake destroyed. Let us hold all of the people of this region in prayer: prayers for those whose lives were lost and for their families—prayers for first responders and the medical workers trying to manage the crisis—prayers for those who continue to hope that more will be found alive.
We have no answers to why devastating tragedies like earthquakes happen. But we do have hope because God has promised to wipe away every tear from our eyes.
“Death will be no more,” says that well-known passage in Revelations. “There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away,” Revelations 21:4.
As United Methodists, we hold onto the promises and comfort of Scripture, but we also put our hands to the plow to help. One way to do that is through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). You can support relief efforts for this disaster and others by donating to the Advance #982450.
Blessings,
Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai
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