Christian TV network SAT-7, which broadcasts across the Middle East and North Africa, is calling for prayers from Christians worldwide in the aftermath of the earthquake in Morocco. The call comes as many evangelical organisations step up their relief efforts.
After a week of clearing rubble and beginning to process the mourning for the dead, there is much to be done to help those who have lost their homes or livelihoods. Around 3,000 people have been confirmed dead, and over 5,600 have been injured.
Rami al-Halaseh, SAT-7’s Arabic Channels executive director, said: ‘Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Morocco at this extremely distressing time. As a ministry, our first – and immediate – response was to call our satellite viewers and social media followers across the Middle East and North Africa to join us in prayer for all those affected’.
Morocco’s political structure makes it difficult for non-governmental organisations to bring relief. Organisations have highlighted the problems they face at the border as they seek to bring in basic goods, such as clothing.
In this difficult situation, some evangelical organisations and churches in neighbouring Spain (which has border cities Ceuta and Melilla as well as direct ferry transport) are having a major impact. The Baptist Union (UEBE) has been raising funds to help in Morocco and now has a team of volunteers on the ground buying food and tents, and distributing aid directly to those affected.
‘The strategy is the only one that seems to work at the moment, as it is impossible to send a container now’, the UEBE explains. The Spanish Federation of Assemblies of God (FADE) has also launched a fundraising campaign among its churches and for those who want to contribute.
Worldwide relief and development organisation Global Aid Network (GAiN) responded to the catastrophe in Morocco ‘through our trusted local partner on the ground’, director Miqueas Forster explained. ‘In the coming weeks, we will provide essential assistance to the families most affected by the earthquake by delivering basic goods (such as blankets) and seeking temporary shelter solutions’.
World Vision is offering to channel aid, along with five other NGOs. It ‘is not present in Morocco, but our response unit is gathering more information on the severity of the crisis from established disaster sources. We will be accompanying the people of Morocco and the rescue teams in the country,’ said Eloisa Molina, World Vision’s director of communications.
SAT-7 is using its various channels and platforms to call for and share prayers for the Moroccan people. Shortly after the disaster occurred, prayers from Christians in neighbouring Algeria were shown on SAT-7 ARABIC and social media. This is a powerful witness of the unity of love between Christ’s people, given the historic tensions between Morocco and Algeria – two countries with no official diplomatic relations.
