You are probably aware of the recent 7.8 earthquake that has devastated Ecuador a week ago on April 16th and Lacey and I would like to take a moment and share about how it has affected our community.
We are hours away from the epicenter of the quake and were able to still feel the shaking from our apartment. The total loss of life and damage is still unknown as workers are still looking for survivors. As of Thursday, the death toll was at 587 and is expected to continue to rise. There has also been hundreds of tremors since Saturday including a 6.1 aftershock Wednesday morning and there has also been new earthquakes with one having a magnitude of 6.0 on Thursday. It is still a very dangerous situation due to the threats of more tremors and the possibility of a tsunami. It is also very difficult for support aid to get to these areas due to damage of the roads and mudslides in surrounding areas. The roads in Ecuador are always challenging with mudslides and falling boulders being normal; the quake has just magnified these problems.
How does OMS intend to help out?
OMS works with a Church one of the communities that was devastated by the Earthquake and our leaders left Thursday morning to bring supplies to the community and they will also be talking with the local authorities and Pastors to determine our most effective way to help out. Our hope is to use the Church as a hub for helpers and volunteers to work out of while also serving food and suppling the community with other necessities and shelter.
What are we currently doing to help out?
Although we are hours away, our community as with all communities in Ecuador have been affected in some way by the quake. Everyone has friends and family from these areas and are not sure of the status of their loved ones. Most people that we talk to are living in fear not knowing what to expect with the possibility of more quakes and tremors.
As for Lacey and I, our hearts want to go and help out wherever we are needed. We currently have the opportunity to comfort and pray with our friends here in our community.
Our community also has several different ways to help out, such as by sending supplies to the devastated areas.
We will also have an opportunity to go and work with the Church that our leadership team is visiting today and help out with them in any way possible when the time is appropriate.
How can we all help out?
You can visit onemissionsociety.org to learn about how OMS as an organization is helping out and also how you can give. Or click the link below.
Our biggest need is prayer. It will always be prayer. We all need prayer right now.
Pray for the people of Ecuador as they deal with: Loss of loved ones, injuries, fear, loss of homes and communities, loss of jobs, and lack of basic needs such as food and water.
Pray for OMS and all other organizations as they are working on plans to help out.
Pray for the people of Japan as they have dealt with yet another earthquake and are in a similar situation.
Pray for the United States as they are dealing with flooding and many different types of crisis themselves.
Pray for the World. Every country is going through some kind of trial: Natural disasters, financial crisis, political turmoil, persecution, poverty, disease, war, terrorism, Etc.
Pray for us and all Christians that we may be a light and can encourage and give comfort to people who have been effected by these disasters.
We pray that God will be lifted up through these obstacles that are surrounding us and more people will know Him so that they can have real peace in life and not have to worry about things that can harm our bodies. We cannot guarantee safety from the trials of this world, but we can guarantee peace and hope during these trials through our faith in Jesus and understanding of our eternal destination.
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