News at ABWE
Update from Jonathan and Angela Stone
October 29, 2007
So far, God has provided the funds to build 40 wooden shelters for church families in southern Peru who lost their homes in the earthquake. We now have sufficient funds to begin rebuilding two of the churches which were damaged or destroyed.
Here are our revised goals as we continue to assess the needs:
- Build 24 more wooden shelters primarily for neighbors of church families and six temporary wooden auditoriums/classroom buildings for churches. We will probably continue to organize groups and trips south to build these wooden shelters as the need is significant and ongoing. Need: $13,000 by November 15.
- Rebuild or repair camp and church facilities in southern Peru. Approximately $40,000 raised and $138,000 still needed.
We want to say a sincere thank you to each individual and church who has given so far to the Peru Earthquake Relief project. Next weekend we will be taking a team from our church south to Ica for a mobile clinic. We will also be delivering food and clothes in an ongoing effort to help those affected by the August earthquake. This is one more opportunity to share Christ’s love and rescue people for eternity in the midst of a difficult situation. A natural disaster of this magnitude has long term effects on living conditions and the local economy.
Thank you for your continued participation in our ministry.
Jonathan and Angela Stone
Peru: Slowly Digging Out
October 2, 2007
Andy Pace, team coordinator of ABWE missionaries in Peru, has provided a first-hand update of the post-earthquake conditions in Peru. The urgency of providing basic necessities is passing as most of the affected area returns to semi-normal. Stores and markets are gradually reopening, and electricity and water have been restored in many areas. However, the need to rebuild damaged and collapsed homes and churches remains.
Families who lost their homes are still living on the street, in crowded conditions with neighbors or relatives, or in temporary shacks. Andy writes:
“The number of those who lost their lives has reached just over 500, while around 2,000 were injured… We believe that God has spared lives that we might have another chance to share the saving gospel of Jesus Christ… Material losses are overwhelming. I had the privilege of going to a town about 60 miles north of the epicenter and personally saw that at least 75% of the adobe homes were no longer safe and should be leveled so the families can begin again.”
Rebuilding Homes
To provide homeless people with shelter as quickly as possible, phase 1 of a 3-phase rebuilding project is already underway.
- Phase 1: Provide shelter
- Phase 2: Care for the believers
- Phase 3: Impact the community
Phase 1: Providing Shelter
The first 16 of 40 new, earthquake-resistant modular homes were erected September 15 to provide emergency shelter for Christians in Chincha and Ica who lost their’s in the earthquake. As you can see in the photos below, the wooden shelters are small, but the families receiving them are praising God for providing a place for them to live. American and Peruvian volunteers are providing the labor, keeping costs to a minimum.
Phase 2: Caring for the Believers
Phase 2 of the rebuilding project, includes plans to build 25 permanent homes for believers whose homes were destroyed. Built using brick and steel-reinforced concrete columns and roof, each one will have 2 bedrooms, full bath, kitchenette, and living/dining room. Because of volunteer labor, the total funding needed for this phase is $87,500—only $3500 each for materials.
Phase 3: Impacting the Community
Our phase 3 plan is to build a house for a neighbor of each believer who received one in phase 2. This not only provides a home for someone, but allows believers to show their neighbors in a tangible way that God does love them and He cares for their every need. An additional $87,500 is needed for Phase 3.
Church and Camp Reconstruction
Many churches were destroyed or rendered unusable by the August earthquake. Buildings were reduced to a pile of rubble or rooms with no walls, but the church body of Christ was strengthened. God protected His people! He also spared the lives of unbelievers, perhaps to give them a chance to hear the gospel and come to know Him as their Savior. As you look at the photos below, think about how you might be able to help one of these churches. Perhaps your church would like to partner with a Peruvian church to supply part or all of the material and furniture needed to rebuild. The testimony of church helping church will shine in their communities. Some will come to Christ because of your generosity. Jesus reminded those who cared in His day, that “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). The specific needs are detailed below.
Chaco Camp
Chaco Camp
Temporary bamboo matt walls have been erected for security. Several work teams from Lima have helped with cleanup and demolition.
To replace the security wall, partially rebuild the caretaker’s home, and refurnish the kitchen and other facilities, the cost is $20,000.
The damaged auditorium has been demolished. An entirely new building will need to be designed. In the short term, a simple, brick, large auditorium, Sunday school rooms, bathrooms, and a parsonage are needed.
Emmanuel Baptist
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Damaged buildings have been demolished and cleared. The pastor and his family now live in a wooden shelter. The church is ready to rebuild. Emmanuel Baptist needs $10,000 to build one Sunday school room, kitchen, and the pastor’s apartment.
La Tinguina Baptist Temple
La Tinguina Baptist Temple
Members of LA Tinguina Baptist Temple have cleared the rubble, school is back in session, and they are ready to rebuild. The immediate need for reconstruction is $15,000.
Living Hope Baptist
Living Hope Baptist Church
Living Hope Baptist's immediate need is $50,000.
Abundant Life Baptist Mission
Abundant Life Baptist Mission
The damaged walls have been demolished and it is time to rebuild. The Abundant Life Baptist Mission needs $10,000 to build a new, small, brick and cement auditorium.
Church in Chincha
Churches in Chincha
Two Baptist churches in Chincha will need to be restored.
Visit the ABWE Peru website to learn more about the specific damages and plans to restore homes, churches, and ministries.
Donations
Thank you for your prayers, and please consider helping our partner churches in their time of need. If God should lead you to give to the Peru Earthquake Rebuilding project, you may give online or use our mail-in form.
US Donors
If you are unable to access the information online, you may email Donna Knight at donna@abwe.org or call 717-909-2362, and we will send the information by email attachment or US mail.
Canadian Donors
For online gifts click the "Donate Now" button on the ABWE Canada home page, then choose Peru Earthquake Relief from the drop-down list.
To send your tax-deductible gift by mail, please print this form and mail it along with your gift to:
ABWE Canada
34-980 Adelaide Street South
London, ON N6E 1R3
For further information please contact Donna Knight or Bob Trout:
Donna Knight
Administrative Assistant for South America
(717) 909-2362
donna@abwe.org
Bob Trout
Executive Administrator
Spanish Speaking South America
(717) 214-6843
btrout@abwe.org