Lutheran Hour Ministries Prepares Active Response to Chilean Earthquake
Release No: 10-11
By Noel Hwande
Mar. 9— SANTIAGO, Chile: On February 27th, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded, struck Chile. According to reports, over 1.5 million homes have been destroyed, displacing more than 2 million people. The number of dead or missing continues to climb, with the latest reports putting it at over 800 people.
Early last week, the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) director in Chile, Marianela Bravo, met with local leaders and pastors of the Lutheran churches in Valparaiso to decide on a plan of action to deliver much needed material support to those affected. Specific necessities were identified such as food, beds, blankets, water pumps, and construction materials. LHM will also begin to immediately assist in the rebuilding efforts of low-income families in La Granja, La Florida, Ñuñoa, Paine, and Puente Alto, which are towns near the LHM-Chile ministry center in Santiago.
Lutheran Hour Ministries is already printing 10,000 brochures entitled "Strength During Difficult Times," which will be distributed by volunteers at health centers and other places around the city.
"More than anything, we want to deliver hope to these people, and give them consolation through the message of our Savior, Jesus Christ," said Bravo, whose home also suffered damage.
Though the worst of the magnitude 8.8 earthquake is past, areas continue to tremble with powerful aftershocks. A tsunami triggered by the earthquake has also caused damage along the coastal region. The Chilean government estimates the cost of repairing the damage to be approximately $30 billion, and that it will take 3-4 years to rebuild affected places.
In the days, weeks, and months ahead, LHM will continue to work through our ministry center in Santiago, along with its church partners, to provide assistance to those affected. Please visit the LHM-Chile Blog at http://lhmchile.wordpress.com for news updates.
Please pray for the people of Chile and for our staff and volunteers working there. We are asking for monetary donations for our ministry efforts in Chile. If you would like to help support our ministry in Chile and in other countries around the world, please make a contribution online or mail them to:
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Chile Relief
660 Mason Ridge Center Drive
St. Louis, MO 63141
Telephone: 1 800-944-3450
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