The Free Church of Scotland, through its Disaster and Relief Fund, is sending £3,000 to Operation Mobilisation (OM) and £2,000 to Christian Aid, to support the work being done to alleviate the suffering of those significantly impacted by the earthquake in Morocco and the floods in Libya.
An earthquake measuring 6.8 struck central Morocco. More than 2,800 people were reportedly killed and over 2,500 have been injured. The epicentre was in a mountainous area, but the shaking was reportedly felt in several provinces and neighbouring countries as well. The aftermath means many people were displaced and homes were lost in the rubble.OM has partners on the ground in areas affected by the earthquake, who have been responding to the great needs.
As a church, we bring those affected in Morocco, before the Lord in prayer, and we are grateful to those offering aid and support locally.
Libya was hit by fatal flooding. More than 11,300 people are known to have died after the catastrophic Mediterranean storm burst two dams and flooded the eastern port city of Derna. Over 10,000 people were missing after torrents of water and debris swept away entire districts and bodies were being recovered from the sea. Storm Daniel has destroyed homes and utility supplies, leaving many areas without any electrical power or water. Families seeking refuge at shelters have lost everything. People are without the basics such as access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities to prevent the risk of diseases.
The Free Church of Scotland is grateful to God for the work of OM who, through local partners, are providing vital nourishing foods and hygiene essentials to those who cannot go back to their homes which are unsafe or destroyed. We thank God also for the aid provided through Christian Aid, who are able to provide food, shelter and warmth to those who are displaced due to the floods. We pray for the long term restorative work, that home and communities will be rebuilt.
The financial support will enable both organisations to provide help and support to those affected.
The Mission Board want to encourage churches in Scotland to continue to pray for these countries in desperate need, and to ask for God’s protection and comfort to be known by believers across the global church. Please pray for those who are affected, whether injured, traumatised or grieving. Please pray that these organisations would be guided continually by the Lord throughout these appeals and their relief efforts.
Donations from the Free Church of Scotland’s Disaster and Relief Fund are dependent on donations made towards the fund. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, you can do so here.