Responding to Crises

Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Response

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Türkiye and Syria at the beginning of February 2023, followed by hundreds of aftershocks. As of February 8, the death toll has climbed over 11,000. Currently the EMC does not have any projects or missionaries focused on this area. If you are looking for ways to support those working in the region, we recommend Mennonite Central Committee’s Humanitarian Coalition appeal for Türkiye & Syria. Click on the image at right to learn more or donate.

Afghan Christian Refugee Project

Like me, when you saw the images of panic and desperation in Afghanistan last August, you may have fallen to your knees in prayer. “Lord, this is terrible! What will happen to the people of Afghanistan?”

Since the crisis began, many thousands of people have fled the country. Now, more than 2.6 million Afghan refugees are scattered across the globe—with another 3 million displaced within Afghanistan’s borders. These people have faced hunger, persecution, job loss and even death.

As part of the Anabaptist community in Canada, EMC is asking our churches to consider sponsoring an Afghan refugee family.

What do we need to know?

Sponsoring a refugee is a big commitment. So, I encourage you to do several things.

  • Study the situation. One helpful resource is a worship package created by MCC called “A Refugee People: How the Church Can Choose Welcome in the Face of Global Displacement.”

  • Learn about the process at mcccanada.ca/refugees. You'll find a short video that explains the basics of the process, including the time, financial and relational commitments.

  • Pray about it. What is God calling you and your congregation to at this moment?

  • Connect with us. If your church is interested in learning more about sponsorship, fill out this form and somebody will be in touch with you in the next few days.

God’s people have also welcomed those who fled. Will you be part of that welcome?

Tim Dyck
Executive Director

Afghan Christian Refugee Project Support

No one can do everything – so let’s do this as partners. If your church doesn’t have the people power to help an Afghan family settle in, help finance a church that does. We have created a fund with a goal of $50,000 to help EMC churches with up to $5,000 towards their sponsorship costs.

Donate Now

Ukraine

The crisis in Ukraine is an ongoing concern. Currently the EMC does not have any projects or missionaries focused on Ukraine. If you are looking for ways to support those working in the region, we recommend any of the following organizations:

Greater Europe Mission (GEM)

GEM is coordinating both financial donations to support their missionaries and trusted partners who are in border countries receiving refugees, as well as the church in Ukraine. Learn more at https://gemission.ca/help-ukraine.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)

MCC was formed just over 100 years ago to respond to basic human needs in southern Russia - what is now Ukraine. They are collecting donations as they prepare to scale up their long term programs to support those who are vulnerable and displaced. Learn more at https://donate.mcccanada.ca/cause/ukraine-emergency-response.

Tearfund

Tearfund is an international Christian relief agency that partners with local churches and organizations, working to provide emergency housing and supplies to displaced Ukrainians. Learn more at https://tearfund.ca/ukraine/.

Other Organizations

The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has also assembled a list of organizations working with the current crisis in Ukraine. Find their list here.