After the earthquake, volunteers build houses "for Jesus and his children"
"Historically, Christians were first called Christians here in Antioch. They were called that because they were 'little Christs'. They lived the teachings of Jesus. That's what we want to do here."
On February 6, at 4:17 a.m., Turkey was hit by an earthquake that killed 45,089 people. The double quake devastated the south of the country. Nearly 2 million people had to be evacuated from the disaster areas.
Today, six volunteers from the organization Texas Baptist Men, which advocates acts of service and compassion, are on site in Antioch to rebuild homes for the victims.
"I've never seen such destruction," says Michael Gillert, "I've been through hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms. It's the worst destruction I've ever seen in my life. There There are buildings that are gone There are buildings that are eight to ten stories tall that are cracked every which way There are buildings that lean on the house next door These people desperately want a way to take back their lives together and to survive. It's survival mode everywhere I look."
Robert Watson, the team leader, says he wants to follow "the teachings of Jesus".
"Historically, Christians were first called Christians here in Antioch. They were called that because they were 'little Christs'. They lived the teachings of Jesus. That's what we want to do here."
The Texas Baptist Men are building semi-cylindrical shelters, 3 by 9 meters. The organization provided funds for the construction of 20 houses. "We're trying to impact individual homes and families," says Mike Gillert, "I hope it makes a difference for families and that they know God loves them."
Joe Fuller, another volunteer, was overwhelmed by an 8-year-old boy who came to help them. “Jesus told us what we do for the little ones, we do it for him. As far as I am concerned, we are building these houses for Jesus and his children,” he said.
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