Help At the Crossroads get aid to Turkey

CMJ USA • February 13, 2023

CMJ partner Derech Avraham, with the help of an Israeli entrepreneur, is working to build tiny-house shelters in Diyarbakir that can protect a family from the elements.

This update was originally published by CMJ ministry partner Derech Avraham/At the Crossroads, a relational network of Middle Eastern nationals and internationals working in various spheres of ministry with a regional or Kingdom vision of the Middle East that is best outlined in Isaiah’s vision of a highway in Isaiah 19:23-25:

In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing[a] on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.” (NIV)

UPDATE: Double your gift to Derech Avraham's Turkey Earthquake Relief Fund. doTERRA Helping Hands Foundation is matching gifts to the Tiny Houses Shelters Project. Scroll down for details and to give through doTERRA's campaign.

Throughout the first few days of the earthquake, reports started to come through that actually the province of Hatay, (formally part of Syria until 1939) had been hit the hardest with the homes of believers in Iskenderun and Antakya (ancient Antioch) being nearly completely destroyed in the 7.8 earthquake. This was followed the next day by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake just north of the first one, which created even more damage. At the time of editing this the death toll has now passed 30,000 people with thousands more injured and homeless.

Give toward earthquake relief via CMJ USA

Rescuers atop a collapsed building in Turkey

Some of our network partners have lost loved ones. Others have still not been accounted for. One long-time friend in Antakya lost his entire house, but he and his wife were able to escape. We have been simply overwhelmed, as I am sure you have, by the devastation but we are also encouraged by believers now working with those on the ground to support their brothers and sisters in the faith in southeastern Turkey.

Besides the daily, sometimes hourly, messages from believers on the ground we also have been following the reports from Al-Monitor, The Guardian and The Jerusalem Post.

In addition we are now hearing reports from international Christian relief teams on the ground in some of the most affected areas. They are assessing the situation and seeing how they can work together with local authorities and the local Church in Turkey to meet the most basic needs of those who have survived but are now homeless.

Projects we are focusing on right now

We are supporting financially a project by an Israeli home builder who will travel to E. Turkey and work with the church in Diyarbakir to quickly construct temporary housing units for families who have lost their homes in some of the worst affected areas, mainly in the Hatay province of SE Turkey. Ancient Antioch/Antakya is one of the main cities there.

UPDATE: doTERRA Helping Hands Foundation is now matching gifts towards the tiny house project.To maximize the foundation's generous gift, please give to the tiny house project through doTERRA's site.

DONATE TO TINY HOUSE PROJECT

doTERRA matching campaign for ATC tiny house project

We also will contribute funds to the church in Diyarbakir who will be assisting believers throughout the region.
We are also praying and waiting for approval to send some families who have lost their homes to stay in a Christian Guest house or in rented apartments in N. Cyprus for the remainder of the winter.
We will send funds for immediate relief to families we know that have been affected and then we also will channel other donations through a relief organization started by leaders of the Turkish Evangelical Church, “First Hope Association,” which is already on the ground offering basic services to those displaced by the Earthquake.

NOTE: Giving through the button below will NOT be matched by doTERRA Helping Hands for the tiny house project but will make your gift available for the other aid projects mention above.

DONATE VIA CMJ USA

How to pray

Please be in prayer for our colleagues traveling in the affected areas, for safety and wisdom.
Pray for those obviously suffering from the trauma of losing family and relatives , that Christian Relief workers would be used to assist and comfort them.
Pray for the necessary supplies to reach those who are homeless and for immediate assistance because of the very cold winter temperatures and protection against sickness because of the lack of water and proper hygiene.
Read more in our previous post on how to pray for Turkey and Syria after the Earthquake.

Thank you for standing with the church and people of Turkey at this time.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Blessed by this post? Ready to sow into the work of CMJ? No gift is too small. we are blessed by your partnership.

Give

Fuel the Mission: CMJ USA Day of Giving, October 14

By Carino Casas • August 25, 2026

2026 has been a remarkable year of connection for CMJ USA. Traveling across the country to meet so many of you in person—at churches, conferences, and gatherings—is always a highlight of our ministry. From our early trips through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to our upcoming visits in California, Texas, and Virginia (plus the meaningful Seders and teachings close to home in Pennsylvania), we are deeply grateful for every open door. As we look ahead, we are preparing for a major milestone: launching Emunah in 2027 and introducing it to congregations nationwide. To reach as many communities as possible, we need to build a strong digital and physical foundation today. Here is where your Day of Giving support directly makes an impact: Expanding Emunah: While Emunah will initially launch as a digital download, our goal is to expand into print editions and high-quality video instruction to maximize its reach. Travel & Outreach: Bringing the Jewish roots of our faith directly to local congregations requires flights, rental cars, and boots on the ground. Upgrading Our Digital Presence: We are optimizing our website to make key resources easily accessible and expanding CMJ’s voice on social media to actively counter anti-Jewish rhetoric with truth and clarity. How You Can Partner with Us Today Invite Us to Your Church: We would love to minister to your local congregation in person. Pray for the Ministry: Stand with us in prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and open doors. Invest in the Mission: Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving a strategic one-time gift this Day of Giving. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley often reminds us, "The Lord pays for what He orders." We also know He delights in using His saints as conduits of His abundant provision. To our faithful regular donors: thank you. You are integral to everything we do. Will you help us take this next step forward today?