Operation Mobilization (OM), an international Christian mission agency with its U.S. offices in Tyrone, is working in partnership with Operation Mercy to bring relief to those affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey. Operation Mercy is a relief and development organization headquartered in Sweden.

Together, OM and Operation Mercy have received 20 tons of food which is being distributed in Turkey. Currently, 25 OM workers are in the country assisting, with more expected to join them. Plans are being finalized for establishing a camp which will house 1,000 people. In addition, OM has sent medical teams from Germany into Turkey to survey the situation and provide assistance. Within the United States, medical supplies have been donated and will be airlifted to Turkey.

In all relief efforts, OM and Operation Mercy are working with the local Turkish church in reaching out to the people. In Izmet, the city where the earthquake's epicenter was located, a church had opened only three weeks prior to the quake. Although all around it was destroyed, this church building still stands and is serving as the base for the work.

While OM and Operation Mercy are focusing on helping to meet immediate needs for medical care, food, water, shelter, blankets and hygiene items, the agencies are also looking to the future and developing plans for long-term, ongoing assistance for those who have lost homes.

“OM is accepting contributions to help with the relief work in Turkey,” a spokesperson said. “Checks may be made payable to OM, designated for Turkey Earthquake Relief, and mailed to Operation Mobilization, P.O. Box 444, Tyrone, Ga. 30290. All gifts are tax deductible. Operation Mobilization is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.'

OM has nearly 3,000 workers from more than 60 nations who are serving in 85 countries around the world and on board two ocean-going mission ships.

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