Relief Efforts Under Way in Chile

The following is an adapted excerpt from an update by Bob and Cheryl Fugate, who serve in Santiago, Chile.

One week after two massive earthquakes rocked northern Chile, relief efforts are under way. Alliance churches throughout that country took an offering last Sunday to send immediate relief to the three affected cities, and the U.S. Alliance established an emergency fund in cooperation with CAMA (Compassion and Mercy Associates). The president of the national church, Felipe Fierro, confirmed that initial donations have supplied adequate food and water to those in need.

A Third Church Destroyed

The Arica Alliance Church building and parsonage will need to be demolished and rebuilt, as they are no longer safe for occupancy. The news hit the congregation hard. The Alliance Chilean national church will help in reconstruction, but this will take time and funding.

Of immediate concern is Pastor Samuel Cordero in the city of Alto Hospicio, where the greatest damage was done. Cordero is living in a tent camp until another rental home can be found for him. Located in an impoverished area with few resources, the town was hit by nearly 500 aftershocks since the initial quake, destroying adobe buildings.

Along with helping pastoral families who lost many of their personal belongings, the Chilean national church seeks provide assistance for repairs and reconstruction. The churches face three major challenges:

  • Housing for Pastor Cordero (rentals are scarce)
  • Reconstruction of Arica Church and parsonage
  • Extensive repairs to Iquique Church

Be sure to follow the tag ChileEarthquake2014 on our Web site to receive the latest posts about this developing situation.

Give to Chile Earthquake relief»

Five cents of every dollar given to this project will go towards the CAMA Advance Fund to cover travel, administrative, and logistical costs of those ministering to the needs of those affected by this disaster. As far as possible, the expressed preference of a donor will be respected and followed. In the event that this gift is oversubscribed, any remaining funds will be used for future disaster relief efforts.

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