Robert and Giselle Hepokoski

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Prayer Letter/Ministry Update

March 8, 2010
Earthquake Recovery Update

Now the staggering task of recovery is apparent. Conservative estimates are half a million homes that are destroyed or unsafe for occupation. The cost for replacing and repairing hospitals and medical centers is estimated at $3.6 billion dollars. Bridges, schools, homes and churches need to be rebuilt. Although the loss of life was minimal, the recovery task is enormous and government representatives are talking about years. Our new presidente, Sebastian Piñera takes office in just two days.

Thus far there has been international help from the UN and many nations around the globe. Our Alliance people have also given generously, many have sent pickups with water, diapers, blankets and staple foods. Trucks have arrived to the epicenter zone from north and south with goods donated by our churches. CAMA Services has sent help as well. I will be traveling to the zone shortly with Bryon Butler of CAMA to see the needs and plan for ongoing help to our churches.

These days of great need and great opportunity in our churches of the central valley and coast, people are fearful, hurting and uncertain. Sadly, our churches are also hurting. It is imperiative that these churches be equipped as soon as possible to minister once again to the needs of their communities. Please pray. Please give. Chile needs the Body of Christ in this hour of suffering.

February 27, 2010

Dear Friends,

We were awakened by a tremor at 3:40 a.m. today and it slowly grew to a quite violent earthquake. Items were falling in all rooms of the house, power was cut and alarms sounded all around. Most of you know the news of the major earthquake that struck 200 miles south of us.

We are fine. Our colleagues Chuck and Betty Ostlie are also fine. I have been in contact with other missionaries and all are well. Our church did not suffer any damage, nor did the Peñalolen church where we have missionaries. We have electricity and phone, but no water. We have been slowly hearing news.

The aftershocks have continued and many are centered much closer to us. We recently experienced a 6.3 tremor which was located only 40 miles from us. Since the first quake this a.m., Chile has experienced over 50 tremors that have exceeded 5.0.

These next days will be full of trials for millions of people and we ask for your prayers. The city of Concepcion will be one of the most affected. We have several churches in the area.

Thank you for your prayers for Chile, for those who have lost loved ones and for those whose homes have been lost.

Grace and peace,
Bob and Giselle
Renaca, Chile

Prayer Requests/Answers to Prayer

PRAYER: For the millions of people who have had homes lost or damages. Our church is 200 miles from the epicenter but we have several people who cannot stay in their homes for safety reasons. One woman and her daughter escaped their house before it fell.

PRAYER: For the many who will be shaken emotionally as well as physically. The continuing aftershocks are around 5 to 6 and they rattle nerves. May the Lord be the peace for his people and may many seek him today. Psalm 46 Sadly our churches in the quake zone have been damaged badly and the churches are needing help before they can give help. Pray that they will quickly be re-equipped for ministry.

PRAYER: For Brent and Tim as they return to classes the second week of March in local school, that aside from achieving well academically that they will be light. Their start of classes was delayed by a week due to the quake and they may miss classes again due to major repairs in the city water system that will leave us with no water service for three days.

As always, pray for the Mapuche people with whom we worked for so many years...
The gospel for every person.
A church for every community.
A trained leader in every church.

Chile

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