For the last 20 years, whenever there has been a crisis – weather-related or man-made, chances are Crisis Response International was on the ground bringing a helping hand, ministry to the broken-hearted, and practical resources.
The recent 7.8 earthquake in Turkey was no different. Teams of volunteer responders had just landed days before from their 13th Wave trip to Ukraine. With the devastation and death toll increasing by the hour, Sean Malone, director of CRI knew it was time to respond to one of the most devastating earthquakes in modern times. With over 40,000 dead, it was time to put faith to work and obey Jesus’ command to go.
“Absolutely catastrophic event,” stated Sean Malone in his deployment update calling for their network of 10,000 responders to take action and join their team of volunteer responders.
“Very adverse situation. People don’t want to go back into their homes or buildings,” Malone continued in an update to their responder network. “This is a massive humanitarian crisis.”
These calls for responders to mobilize is part of the CRI ethos, calling for wholehearted believers to rise to the occasion and bring not only practical aid, but the gospel of Jesus in the midst of great darkness.
“We’re about reaching the harvest in crisis,” said Malone. “When crisis or disaster hits, people need to know there is a God who loves them and has a plan for them. We bring the good news of Jesus everywhere we go. It’s why we do what we do.”
The ministry is all about doing kingdom work. This work includes Ukraine rebuilding, and Christmas gifts for kids. It also includes food and help for Hurricane Ian in Florida.
For now, it’s food distribution in Antakya, Turkey, bringing food, supplies, and even pre-fab homes to those in Turkey.
“About 1/3 are dead, 1/3 have fled, and 1/3 are still in the city,” said Malone. But the ministry continues and the outreach is growing. “As long as people keep giving and responders keep coming, we are going to continue working to help the people of Turkey,” continued Malone.
That heart to serve is what has kept CRI strong for nearly 20 years and attracted partners to the efforts including Morningstar Ministries, International House of Prayer and Global Awakening.
“We’re seeing different streams in the body of Christ coming together for the billion soul harvest. It’s happening now. This is the time to be ready and prepared to step out and be available to be used by God.”
Interested volunteers can sign up to become a certified trained responder here: criout.com/training. Donations are accepted here: criout.com/donate.
