Relief Continues After Guatemala Earthquake
Ten days after a strong, 7.4 magnitude earthquake devastated the San Marcos area of Guatemala in Central America, aid continues to flow to stricken churches and pastors from their brothers and sisters in the United States and Latin America.
Two churches and a three-story children’s center were destroyed or so badly damaged that they must be demolished, and eight others suffered severe damage. Three parsonages will have to be completely replaced, and eight more need extensive repairs. Five Church of God members—one a pastor’s father-in-law—are known to have perished.
The churches throughout the rest of Central America, led by Superintendent Dr. Otoniel Collins, sent $10,000 for immediate relief. That money, joined by the first gift of $8,000 from the Christ’s Birthday emergency fund of World Missions, is being used to acquire water, food, blankets, sleeping mats, and other necessities. Other aid will follow as it comes in.
Guatemala is no stranger to tragedy, having suffered through a long-term civil war, several hurricanes, and previous earthquakes. Despite the periodic disasters, the church continues to grow. Its 2,783 churches and quarter million members make it the largest Protestant denomination in the nation. Despite the poverty that affects large portions of the country, the Church of God in Guatemala sends out more missionaries than any other Latin American nation.
The church in Guatemala needs and appreciates gifts in support of recovery. The project number is 020-0803 (Guatemala Earthquake). Donations may be made at www.cogwm.org or by credit card at 1-800-345-7492.
–Bill George, Church of God World Missions
