Special thanks to Water Mission Disaster Response Manager Jon Conway for sharing his thoughts and his photographs from serving in Turkey in this special update.
When disaster strikes, it can bring out the best in people. It is during these difficult times that we see God’s love at work through humanity, as people come together to help one another regardless of their differences. In the days and months following the earthquakes in Turkey, this unique level of collaboration and care was unveiled. Christian and Muslim organizations worked hand in hand with one common goal—to serve those affected.
In a world where media, governments, and zealots create division between people of different faiths, it is encouraging when individuals put aside their differences to others. Disasters like this remind us that we are all equal in the eyes of God.
Despite differences in belief systems and cultural backgrounds, the Christian and Muslim communities showed an inspiring level of cooperation in Turkey. They worked tirelessly alongside each other to provide food, water, shelter, and medical aid to those affected by the earthquake. The selflessness displayed by these individuals is a testament to the power of God’s love.
However, among this inspiring level of cooperation between Christians and Muslims in Turkey, there were many who sought to prevent this unity from taking place. Satan used hardliners from all directions to launch attacks on those who were working together. Attempts were made to create division where there was none and crush any hope we had in helping there. Some tried to push us away because we were thought to be missionaries when, in reality, we were simply showing God’s love through our actions of love.
But even in the face of such opposition, the Water Mission team persisted—driven by our faith in God’s love and our commitment to serving others. Over time, people began to see that our intentions were pure and that we truly cared about their well-being.
Living out Christ’s teachings as we worked, we demonstrated the transformative power of God’s love. It wasn’t always easy, but we knew that our efforts were making a difference in the lives of those around us.
We were also blessed by those who joined us. Our interpreter, Revan, shared his incredible faith story with us. Growing up in a Muslim family, he was taught to follow Islam from an early age. However, as Revan grew older and began to ask his father questions about the religion, many of his inquiries went unanswered. Determined to learn more about Islam and other religions, he began reading holy books from various faiths.
It was during this process that Revan discovered Christianity and was struck by the emphasis on love that permeates its teachings. The more he read about Jesus Christ and His message of love and forgiveness, the more convinced he became that this was the path for him. Despite facing opposition from some members of his family and community, Revan remained steadfast in his newfound faith and has become an inspiring example of God’s transformative power.
In times of disaster, it’s natural to look for like-minded people—like Revan—who are also committed to serving those in need. At the grassroots level, we often find ourselves working alongside individuals and organizations who share our passion for making a positive impact. However, it’s not always easy to figure out how to best complement each other’s programs and avoid duplication of efforts. That’s where faith comes in.
By following where God is leading us, we can discern where He is already at work and identify ways to partner with Him in our relief efforts. This might involve writing partnership agreements with other organizations or simply being open to new ideas and collaborations as they arise.
Ultimately, when we keep our focus on God and His plan for us, we can be confident that our efforts will bear fruit and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
In many ways, disasters remind us of our shared humanity and our connection to God. They demonstrate that no matter what our beliefs or cultural backgrounds may be, we all have a responsibility to love one another daily, not just during times of crisis. When we work together towards a common goal amazing things can happen through God’s grace.
It is important that we continue to celebrate stories like this one from Turkey as evidence of God’s love at work through humanity. By highlighting the positive actions of individuals who put aside their differences for the greater good with faith as their guide, we can inspire others to do the same. Let us remember that love knows no bounds—not even religion or culture—when we unite under God’s love.
So let us take inspiration from those who worked hand in hand during this disaster in Turkey as an example of how God’s love brings us together during times of crisis. May their example serve as a reminder that when we come together with kindness in our hearts under His guidance anything is possible.
Water Mission was born out of the need for safe water following Hurricane Mitch more than 20 years ago. Since then, support from friends like you have enabled us to serve men, women, and children following some of the world’s most devastating natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Will you prayerfully consider helping us bring safe water and trauma healing to those in need?