The Volcano of Fire (Volcan de Fuego), located 50 km from the Guatemalan capitol, cause much damage after a powerful eruption yesterday. The most recent report from CONRED, the Guatemalan disaster response organization, said that over 1.7 million people have been affected, 3,265 people have been evacuated, 1,195 people have been left homeless, 20 were injured, and 25 people died as a result of the eruption.
Damaris Kellogg, the Mesoamerica North Central Area Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Coordinator, shared that there are currently no reports of damages to Church of the Nazarene buildings or properties. However, members of the Church of the Nazarene have been moved to temporary shelters and are very frightened.
Area and NCM leadership have maintained constant communication with local pastors, who have shared about current shelters. This morning a team left from the North Central Area Office to visit shelters in the Escuintla Department to bring both physical and spiritual aid. The team is bringing basic supplies, such as water, food, diapers and blankets. Included in the group are NCM Coordinator Damaris Kellogg and Field Strategy Coordinator Rev. Leonel de Leon.
Kellogg said, “There are several families whose loved ones are missing, and others who have family members in the hospital. There are emergency responders who are missing as well. We ask for your prayers for the families who are affected and for the church, that we would see both physical and spiritual needs with the eyes of Jesus. We know that God is in control and that God loves Guatemala!”
Source: Damaris Kellogg, North Central Area NCM Coordinator, Mesoamerica Region
