Chile Earthquake Update
01 March 2010
On behalf of the Church in Chile, we ask for your prayers for our brothers and sisters that are suffering the consequences of the terrible earthquake (according to information it is the 5th largest in the world). Please pray that God would protect our brothers and care for the Nazarene Church family and that during this difficult time the Church of the Nazarene in the affected zone can bring glory to God by helping people that are suffering. At this time the number of people that have been killed is 147 but this number will change minute by minute.
The North District is calling people to prayer and offering to go help our brothers and sisters. There are many difficulties after the earthquake because there is no water, telecommunication, lights, or medical attention and some people no longer have homes. Also, unfortunately, some people are trying to benefit from this disaster by raising the prices on bottled water, transportation, phone calls, food, etc.
The consequences of the earthquake are being seen. Also there is a tsunami warning for all the countries with coasts in the Pacific. We are also praying for what could happen with this tsunami, we have an all powerful God that we can glorify in these moments and who wants to hear and see His church acting in His name.
Contact with the Pastor in Concepcion, location of the epicenter
At 1:15 pm we had contact with Pastor Richard, answering his call in the middle of the worship service. The congregation was delighted and sent their love “live”.
Richard tells me that the church in Hualpén withstood the earthquake without major damage. The members of the church are well except for minor damage to their homes. He literally told me “God has been good to us we are happy”. We do not have news from the rest of the pastors. The electric service has not yet been reestablished in Concepcion, Talcahuano, and other southern cities and there is either no or very bad phone service.
We know that Pastor Juan Badilla reported that they were okay. Pastor Alfredo Veloso was in Romeral with his brother and is well, but we know nothing of his wife Francisca. At this time we know nothing of the rest of the pastors of Concepción, Viña and Valparaiso. Even though we have been insistently trying to communicate with them, it has not been possible.
The television shows that the main need is water. Water service has been suspended because of ruptures in the distribution networks. People are getting water by tanker trucks, but not enough. People are also without food which is causing a scene of desperation and looting of supermarkets in the city.
We are praying that the response of the government and private organizations will increase in quantity and efficiency to prevent further collateral damage and chaos that many are using to steal and pillage.
Santiago is still without electricity in the area most damaged by the earthquake and the tsunami is between the VI and VIII Region of Chile.
- South America Region
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