In addition to the countries where AFFEO has specific ministries, there are places around the globe where disasters of many kinds have ravaged families. Thousands of new orphans are in need of basic necessities like food, proper clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Many also need assistance to process the traumas they have experienced as well as protection from human trafficking. Additionally, they lack forever families where they will be cherished and loved.
As you reflect on the specific situations mentioned below, please lift up the vulnerable children in these areas to our Heavenly Father and remember the needs listed above.
February 24, 2022—Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Please continue to remember our partners in Ukraine who are doing all they can to meet the needs of orphans, families and vulnerable individuals caused by the war.Many of our partners are worn out and need special grace and physical strength to continue their efforts.
February 6, 2023—Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
Hundreds of children were orphaned by the two catastrophic earthquakes that struck southern Türkiye and Syria early this year, killing nearly 60,000. Pray for the ongoing efforts of many organizations to assist orphans as well as the myriad of others who were affected.
August 8-11, 2023—Wildfires in Maui
Early claims that 1,000 children were missing after the Maui wildfires were proven to be false, but FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) stated that children who lived through Maui’s wildfires may feel trauma for years. Please pray for these children as their families take steps to help them process their emotions and anxieties to help them heal.
September 8, 2023—Earthquake in Morocco
It is reported that at least 100,000 children were affected by the earthquake in Morocco that struck late at night, when most would have been home asleep. Although a specific number of orphans created by the disaster has not been released, King Mohammed VI conferred “Ward of the Nation” status to the children orphaned by the quake, to “protect them from hazards of all kinds,” including being trafficked. Pray that such protection efforts would be effective and that the other needs of orphans will also be addressed.
September 10, 2023—Floods in Libya
More than 16,000 children were reported displaced following the floods in Libya. As of October 25, at least 400 children were reported to be orphaned or ‘separated’ from parents. Whole neighborhoods were wiped out after two dams broke. Many survivors witnessed their entire families dying. Immediate psychological consequences are dire, and hundreds of people will require time and resources to heal. Please pray that such resources will be available to all who need them and that orphans will be cared for in the ways listed at the beginning of this update.
October 7, 2023–Hamas Invasion of Israel
The ongoing war was triggered by Hamas militants who rampaged through southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 240 more. YNet News reported on November 4 that the terror attacks left 21 children in Israel without both parents and an additional 100 children without one parent.
The Hamas attack prompted retaliation by Israel as a total siege of the densely populated Gaza strip. The continuing siege has killed more than 18,000 people, most of them women and children. James Elder, chief spokesperson for UNICEF, said it is hard to determine exactly how many children in Gaza are now orphans due to the sheer number of people being killed and the desperate conditions on the ground. On December 11, another source, Memo, Middle East Monitor reported that nearly 25,000 children in Gaza are now orphans. Hospitals are full of such children and sometimes hospitals don’t even know their names.
Please lift up in prayer the orphans in both Israel and Gaza. Ask that the Lord would meet their incredible physical, spiritual, and emotional needs, as only He can.
As we celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord, thank you for focusing your prayers on the needs of these vulnerable little ones in dire situations. May God bless you richly for your efforts!
Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash
