Posted on Sep 12, 2012 | by Mark Kelly

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Earthquake traumas continue for residents of Iran, which was struck Sept. 7 by a series of moderate quakes not quite four weeks after twin earthquakes devastated rural villages in northwest Iran, killing more than 300 people. A moderate earthquake also struck eastern Iran on Sept. 1.

An estimated 50,000 people around the southern town of Jenah lost their homes during the twin quakes, according to news sources. At least 12 villages were destroyed, and 425 others sustained serious damage. Many roads and other infrastructure were heavily damaged.

While little information about relief efforts is filtering out of the country, there is no doubt about the need to pray for families affected by the earthquakes, said Francis Horton, who with his wife, Angie, directs Baptist Global Response work in Central Asia.

"Many people were traumatized by the twin quakes, and others no doubt are in turmoil because of these more recent ones," Horton said. "Many have lost everything and are faced with rebuilding their lives from scratch. Others were badly injured or lost loved ones. A great many are fearful that more quakes will occur and uncertain about the future.

"What people need most in such times is an experience of God's love for them," Horton added. "We are praying that God will use the crisis to help Iranians understand how much he cares for them and the price he paid so they could enjoy abundant lives of meaning and purpose. We hope our friends around the world will join us in asking God to comfort Iranians in distress and draw them close to Himself."
--30--
Mark Kelly writes for Baptist Global Response, located on the Internet at www.gobgr.org. You can help people in need from disasters like these earthquakes by donating to the World Hunger Fund, www.worldhungerfund/com.