HCJB Global teams responding to flood survivors in Ecuador.
Ecuador (MNN) ― The "La Nina" weather phenomenon has wreaked flooding havoc in low lying areas of South America. Recovery is expected to cost one billion dollars.
Persistent, heavier-than-normal rains throughout February and March 2008 triggered flooding across parts of northern and central South America. Thousands were forced from their homes, and hundreds of thousands have seen their property severely damaged.
HCJB Global Hands launched its first response in February and began working alongside local churches, nongovernmental organizations and Ecuador's Department of Health. The results of the unified effort were greater than anticipated. HCJB's Hermann Schirmacher reports: "Hundreds of people accepted the Lord as their Savior as a result of these efforts."
The initial three teams saw some 6,000 victims and delivered more than 15 tons of food, helping feed more than 1,000 people. In addition to basic food items, the cases also contained spiritual food, a Bible and some tracts.
With the disaster expected to stretch endurance, the ministry has been rotating teams weekly. HCJB's Brad Quist says they're taking in a fresh response team this weekend. Two other teams will go in the next three weeks. "We'll continue with food distribution. We're also working with other agencies like Samaritan Mission and Extreme Response; they're involved in reconstruction of housing, as well as providing water filtration plants. Because of our long-term presence in the area, we are familiar with the culture, we are familiar with the language, and we have access to resources that we can mobilize."
Another side benefit of this kind of approach is the unity it creates among Christians. The relief efforts thus far have brought together local churches of various denominations.
What they demonstrate is love. "Many people have lost their source of income; they've lost their homes. But also pray for their spiritual needs. Everybody needs to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. These people are in a situation where everything they've trusted in has been taken away. The only thing that's left to them is God. Pray for us that we can present a message of hope to them."
