Crisis Response
An opportunity for presence
Crisis Response
In light of our focus of long-term discipleship in the 10/40 Window, we are intentionally being more aware of crises in the 10/40 Window and aim to respond to those in strategic areas. We see presence as a wonderful opportunity to share the love of Jesus and to care for people in time of great need. Crisis response is highly beneficial for access to restricted areas. The contacts and connections gained are valuable if a long-term presence would be pursued. It also creates short term options for our people to gain experience working in the 10/40 Window. We believe crisis response will be important as we seek to place long-term teams among more unreached people groups of the 10/40 Window.
GO Teams
For the initial response to a crisis, Kingdom Channels has several teams of volunteers, called Go Teams, who are ready to respond to disaster-affected areas within 12 hours, whether it be a natural or man-made calamity. We currently have 3 GO Teams on standby. As a crisis response project develops, the goal is to open up the opportunity for other volunteers get involved as well. This opportunity helps our people develop skills and vision for working in hard places, along with gaining hands-on experience and exposure to the 10/40 Window.
Turkey Earthquake Response in 2023
We saw the benefits of T3 Training, T4 Training, Jordan Arabic study, and Iraq language study all collaborate to strengthen our efforts as we responded to the Turkey earthquake.
On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria.
As the disaster zone was near our team members in Iraq, they, along with others from the states, responded to assess the needs and opportunities. As a result, two different locations in Turkey became bases for relief efforts. In one area, the relief efforts were completed. In the other location, we handed things off to another Anabaptist group.
In all, 19 staff and volunteers spent time in Turkey that spring. Arabic study from Jordan and language study from Iraq proved helpful with communicating. Many concepts taught in T3 and T4 were applied: setting up a base, logistical coordination, distributions, and working as a team in a crisis response situation. The relief efforts included setting up approximately 230 tents and distributing 237 heaters, preparing food, washing dishes for a local church, building mini houses, and being a presence of light.
Myanmar Earthquake Response in 2025
On March 28, 2025, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, resulting in much death and destruction. The death toll was over 3,600. Among the many people killed during the quake, there were around 700 Muslims crushed by mosques that collapsed during prayer time.
The devastation was most severe in Mandalay, where hospitals are overwhelmed, and infrastructure damage was extensive. A significant aftershock of 6.4 magnitude further complicated relief efforts. In Bangkok, Thailand, over 600 miles away, a 30-story skyscraper under construction collapsed, killing at least seven and leaving dozens missing.
Within hours after the earthquake, we had a team of four people in the air headed for Thailand from which they planned to enter Myanmar. In Thailand, the team had great difficulty obtaining the proper visas. After a few days, they flew to another city to try there. Finally, the team obtained the visas they needed and entered Myanmar.
Their visas were only good for 14 days in Myanmar. When that time was up, they left their contacts with funds, building materials, and their prayers to continue the work. The contacts have done an excellent job sending reports and pictures back to us with the progress being made. So far, two of the four houses have been completed and dedicated by the church for an older couple and a widow. The rest are currently in progress and all the needed materials have been purchased.
The church we are working through has been so grateful! In their words, “God has used you and your community greatly. Thank you so much… May the Lord bless you and your community more.”