A Letter from the President of the Convention of Chilean Baptist Churches
Five pastors, four laymen and two young people left in three trucks to visit the cities of Los Angeles, Laja, Concepción, and Penco. … The aid that we brought was: flour, sugar, coffee, tea, potatoes, pasta, yeast, toilet paper, batteries, flashlights, and water. Our hearts beat more strongly as we arrived, not just because we could arrive with some help, but because we were able once again to embrace them and see that in spite of the disaster - some of them had lost everything - they were content, because God our Father had sustained their lives, that wonderful gift that only God gives, to him be the glory, Aleluia.
The words that spontaneously came from them and the people around them were “We will get by,” “things can be recovered but not life,” “God takes care of our lives,” “He is still faithful,” and so many other words that encouraged us to keep on being motivated to go as many times as necessary to bring aid to our brothers and sisters.
Pastor Luis Alvarado told us: “This is something that I have only seen and felt once before in the earthquake of 1960 (he also personally experienced that earthquake). The sea came with a wild force, demolishing everything in its path. My sister Julia (member of the church and also his physical sister) lost her house as the sea swept it away, as well as so many others from this place. It was only a miracle of God that my house also was not wiped out by the sea. Today we need bedding, clothing for many people, food and the ability to help rebuild out of nothing for those who lost everything.”
Our sister Mariela Cardenas told us: “It was something terrible, dreadful. We got out with what we had on. Our house disappeared. Today we have nothing, but thanks to God we are alive.” She could not continue talking, being overcome with emotion.
Having been many times in the community of Cerro Verde in the town of Penco where Pastor Luis Alvarado’s church is, it is frightful to see now how houses have disappeared, how cars were thrown into houses. Boats that were on the beach are stuck on houses. The panorama is desolate. The smell of dead fish is terrible. The desolation of the people is a nightmare.
Meanwhile, we cannot remain with our arms crossed. That is why I am appealing to your generosity and Christian fellowship.
Mario Ramos E., Presidente, Convencion de Iglesias Bautisas M. Ch.,Temuco,
· Pray for the people of Chile and for the witness of believers as they bring help to those in need.
· Pray for our missionaries Barbara and Dwight Bolick who returned to Chile on the first available flight on March 15. Pray for strength and wisdom as they minister in the name of Christ. Pray also for their children Jack (10) and Will (5).