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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