January 14, 2011
More than 500 people have died in Brazil’s recent floods, which are being described as one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters on record. The following is an adapted excerpt from a communication by Tim Bubna, Brazil field director.
Greetings from drenched Sao Paulo, Brazil! We are almost in week three of steady rains, not all day or every day, but just way too much, and way too often. We do not have churches in the mountainous area of Rio de Janeiro state, which is likely the TV images you have seen. In cities just outside of Sao Paulo that are hard hit (Atibaia and Sao Jose dos Campos), we do have churches; I have been in contact with pastors in recent days, and there is no damage to church property nor homes/businesses of members at this point.
From what we see on the news here, both the government and Red Cross are responding, though within their sizable limitations. I have seen on Facebook that some large evangelical churches in town are gathering donations to send to Rio, both clothing and nonperishable food items. Some of our church members are donating through those churches.
Pray for efficient efforts by authorities to respond to this tragedy. Also, pray that local churches in the hard hit areas will respond with compassion and be salt and light in this difficult moment, especially ministering to families who have lost loved ones in landslides. Many are homeless and will be long term; pray for churches to reach out and help these neighbors on more than a short-term basis.
We appreciate your prayers,
Tim Bubna, field leader