A violent earthquake hit Chile on 27 February causing the death of 700 people. The epicentre of the earthquake was in the city of Concepción located on the coast of central Chile.
Carmen Castillo, the leader of GBUCh (the IFES movement in Chile) contacted us soon after the earthquake telling us what had happened:
'Chile has suffered an earthquake of 8.8 on the Richter scale which has affected the centre and the south of the country. At this time, we know where the most affected regions are and yet we haven't been able to communicate with the rest of the GBU family.
'We encourage all who can read this message to pray alongside us and if you can, to support those who are in need.
'We recognize the sovereignty of God in all this, and our trust and hope are in him.
'Please pray for us.'
The death toll so far is over 720, with 300 dying in one fishing village alone. Looting continues and police struggle to maintain law and order
Pray that in the midst of this trial, the Chilean people can live as a community and help each other. Pray especially for Christians in this situation, that their hope in God will remain strong, and that they will be an encouragement and support to those around them, showing the love of God in practical ways.
Pray that aid to arrive soon from other countries, and for it to reach isolated areas of the country quickly.
