Shaken Hearts, Steady Faith
Thank you so much to the many who have been in touch with us and let us know you are praying. Ecuador needs your prayers! The massive earthquake which hit the coast of our country on Saturday night was also felt here in Quito. After an endless minute huddled under the dining room table, praying with the kids, we came out unscathed. The same can be said for all of our capital city, but not for other places in Ecuador. The epicenter of the quake was about five hours east of us, where many areas already faced great economic challenges. Now, entire towns are in ruins (English coverage in Miami Herald http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article72581422.html). The latest government numbers show around 500 confirmed deaths, nearly 5,000 people injured, and many more unaccounted for and homeless. Our hearts are deeply grieved.
At the same time, we are grateful for the outpouring of support which has followed this tragedy. Our church, La Viña, held normal services on Sunday morning, and our community filled the building with prayer and gifts. Donations for the afflicted started filling the platform and the giving has been steady ever since.
At the same time, we are grateful for the outpouring of support which has followed this tragedy. Our church, La Viña, held normal services on Sunday morning, and our community filled the building with prayer and gifts. Donations for the afflicted started filling the platform and the giving has been steady ever since.
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| Sunday services a La Viña |
A number of church members have family in the affected areas and a team from church will leave tomorrow morning to try to reach several of the more remote villages. Water, in particular, is sorely needed, as large areas have been without potable water or electricity since the quake.
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| Our sanctuary fills with water and supplies |
A team of physicians from our mission, Reach Beyond, left this morning to assist at one of the hospitals that is still standing on the coast. They plan to scout out needs and bring down more help where it is most needed.
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| Reach Beyond Latin America Crisis Management Team |
Please pray for each of these groups, as well as the many other kind volunteers and emergency personnel who have arrived or are making their way into the disaster zone. Many of the winding mountain roads that lead to these coastal areas have been severely damaged by the earthquake and aftershocks, so please pray that help will be able to get through to those in need. We also ask for prayers for safety, since trucks taking supplies down have been robbed by desperate people. Thankfully, the military is coordinating escorts for the convoys in which our church and mission teams are traveling.
Should you wish to donate to the relief efforts, you can give in several ways. To support the relief efforts of Reach Beyond, give here: https://reachbeyond.org/ecuadorrelief To support the relief efforts of our Vineyard church, select the option "Ecuador Partnership" here https://vineyardkcnorth.ccbchurch.com/w_give_online.php.
We are immensely grateful for your prayers for our beloved adopted country. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers in the upcoming weeks and months, and please pray especially that Jesus' love and care will be clearly and tangibly expressed to the many whose lives have been shattered.
Thank you!
Dave & Beth
Should you wish to donate to the relief efforts, you can give in several ways. To support the relief efforts of Reach Beyond, give here: https://reachbeyond.org/ecuadorrelief To support the relief efforts of our Vineyard church, select the option "Ecuador Partnership" here https://vineyardkcnorth.ccbchurch.com/w_give_online.php.
We are immensely grateful for your prayers for our beloved adopted country. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers in the upcoming weeks and months, and please pray especially that Jesus' love and care will be clearly and tangibly expressed to the many whose lives have been shattered.
Thank you!
Dave & Beth
