Caring Continues for Ecuadorian Children Following Earthquake
Church of God World Missions was there those first two weeks in Ecuador when food and water were scarce or completely absent in our pastors’ communities. Many loads of water, food, and other supplies, as well as installing water filtration systems within the affected areas was provided.
Upon reality setting in, people suffered from trauma as they survived in makeshift tents or temporary structures. Children experienced stress and grief reactions, too. Missionaries Bobby and Tamitha Lynch serving in Ecuador established “Give Care” relief, in collaboration with Project M:25 Missions, Lee University, and SEMISUD (our seminary in Quito), designed specifically to help the children who experienced trauma from Ecuador’s recent earthquake. This included the distribution of 2,000 care packages, and assisting children and families’ transition back into their normal lives.
A training session for pastors was supposed to have only 11 attend, but 150 people arrived! School teachers, church leaders, community leaders … a little bit of all walks of life … were hungry to know how to help their people.
The situation in which survivors are living is dramatic. Some stay in their unsafe homes, sleeping on the street or porch, for fear they will lose their property. The stench is still evident when you are close to areas where bodies are buried by the rubble.
Many children are yet unable to sleep due to nightmares; afraid to return to places they once loved; afraid of every little movement of the wind. But, the Lynches are able to see the power of God’s healing in their lives. One little girl, who had been having horrible nightmares and unable to sleep in her own bed, with the help of the “worry doll” given to her, was calmed down and able to sleep the night in her bed. No doubt God has ordained this project which has multiplying effects and is truly helping.
To give to Ecuador relief, please contact Church of God World Missions (www.cogwm.org) and refer to project number 102-9249-058.
(Source: Church of God World Missions)
