In the midst of chaos, loss and pain, Ryan Rought (bottom middle) shared the hope of Christ
San Jose —
On the afternoon of January 8, an earthquake with several aftershocks struck Costa Rica 20 miles north of the capital city San Jose, registering at 6.1 on the richter scale, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Landslides further intensified damage, trapped hundreds, and took several lives. All ABWE personnel are accounted for and unharmed, and have not experienced physical damage to any of their houses, churches, or other related properties to their ministry, including the language school where several ABWE missionaries are studying Spanish.
Soon after the quake, ABWE missionaries Ryan and Gretchen Rought requested prayer for the rescue teams, for the many who had to be rescued by airlifting since many roads were destroyed, for God’s comfort and protection to those that survived, and that missionaries could not only share and show the love of Christ, but also hope in Christ. Here are excerpts from a letter Gretchen recently shared regarding her husband’s service during this crucial time:
Ryan devoted the first two days following the earthquake to supporting the Vigilancia Aeria, the Costa Rican police version of the Air Force. Knowing of his extensive military training in rappelling and helicopter missions, the chief requested Ryan’s assistance and support. Ryan was soon out the door to assist rescue near the epicenter, close to the Sarapiqui and Varablanca areas.
He arrived home late Friday night frustrated and discouraged because he was utilized only to refuel the helicopters. As night fell, the rescue efforts were postponed to the following morning. Ryan was disappointed at the end of the day.
Late Saturday and through Sunday, the mission was basically turned over to the United States soldiers and their recently-landed Black Hawks. The Costa Rican responders expressed gratitude that “our people will be rescued and brought to safety.”
Soon, however, the chief of the Reserves Police (similar to the US Guard—keep in mind Costa Rica has no military) called to once again request Ryan’s assistance. “You will be put to work this time… the need has become so great. We believe there are some survivors that are trapped, and we also have a vast need for body recovery. Would you be willing to join us on this three-day mission?”
Ryan is now part of a team is made up of seven officers plus himself. Their orders are to go by truck to the furthest point possible, then hike into the mountains in search of victims and bodies buried under collapsed homes and landslides.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for encouraging us and praying for us in this unique time in our Costa Rican life. We are trusting God for great and mighty things as He is the creator and sustainer of life and the Mighty One who alone is able to bring joy out of despair and hope out of desolation.
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