Last year, we reached out to you with a request for $15,000 to provide relief for the earthquake in Turkey. What we didn't realize at the time was that the seeds planted would lead to the establishment of a new church in Turkey.
To ensure the funds reached their destination, 4G3/MELTI sent a team to hand-deliver the donations. S, a Syrian pastor who is a Muslim convert and a graduate of the 4G3 discipleship institute, hosted one of our sessions at his church in Turkey. With your support, he helped provide blankets and heaters for 300 families.
Here is an excerpt from a letter he recently sent us:
"The church in Afrin city, established in 2011, grew to 200 members before it was shut down in 2018 due to ISIS attacks. The pastor and other Christians, all from Islamic backgrounds, fled for their lives, as Sharia law permits the killing of 'backsliders.' ISIS demolished the church. During the earthquake, we were able to enter the area as a charitable organization to provide relief. We distributed food, set up tents, dug a water well serving 1,700 people, renovated a school, and operated mobile clinics. These efforts helped us build relationships with the local government.
Miraculously, the government returned our church to us on September 15, 2024, though it was in ruins. After renovations, we held our first worship service on Christmas Day. The attendants included the president of the Afrin City Council, the Head of the Police Department, representatives of the government in Afrin, representatives of civil associations and parties in the city, and representatives of the Yazidi community. We pray that Syria’s new constitution will include freedom of religion, enabling believers from Islamic backgrounds to practice their faith freely."
Please join us in praying for this monumental step that will reshape the future of faith in Syria and open the door for future generations.
And never underestimate the Kingdom impact of your donations!
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