Return to Cauquenes and Pelluhue

A whole month has gone by, and the earthquake is beginning to fade from the news, but there are still so many families in desperate situations, and the need for help is still as great! Within the city of Santiago, the damage was minor, and people are already starting to get back to life as usual, it’s easy to forget how much devastation was caused in the more rural areas, where people really did lose everything.

During the weeks prior to our trip, we spread the word and gathered what blankets, clothing, food and supplies we could. Our team of 7 headed down South, to Cauquenes, and Pelluhue, where we heard that those who had to flee from the tsunami were gathered in camps.

When we arrived and drove down to the coast, we all were shocked by what we saw. The force of the ocean had completely washed everything away. With the entire coastline in ruins, as far as the eye could see, we wondered where all the people had gone, so we set out to find them, or to get in touch with someone who could direct us to where our aid was most needed.

After speaking with both the municipality, and the military in that area, no one was able to really tell us anything. They only knew that the people had dispersed…some could be in the mountains, some could be staying with family or friends, others could be missing—no one could say. But they did tell us that there were no “camps” where the people had gathered together, which is what we were looking for.

We realized that we would need to take a more personal one-on-one approach. At first it was difficult, because none of us really knew the area, but while asking around, we found a man who told us that he would come with us and help us make our way around.

During the rest of the day we found that some people had taken each other in. At one place, a family of three had taken on eight people, and they were staying in make-shift tents. They were grateful for what food they could get, as they had no places nearby to get any. We were able to leave flour, oil and yeast with each family (so they could make bread), as well as some other basic supplies. Most of all, we were there to hear their story and pray with them.

Amid all the terrible destruction, we found that the worse damage of all was the fear and panic that had gripped everyone. Many hadn’t slept for days, and all were in need of comfort, faith, prayer, support and encouragement. We also brought a guitar along, and young and old alike, were radiant as we sang Peace in the midst of the storm, John 14 (Let not your heart be troubled…) Psalm 23, etc.

The dear family that took us in not only put us up for the night, but took such wonderful care of us during our stay! Even though they too had lost much in the earthquake, they were happy and positive, and helped to lead us to families that were needier than them.

It was a wonderful and rewarding experience, because again, more than the physical aid we were able to bring—which was precious little, compared to the huge need!—best of all, we brought them a touch of Jesus’ love and care, and we left Him in their hearts forever!

Click here to see the slide show.

Cauquenes

On Tuesday, March 9th, we made a trip to Cauquenes, a town 5 hours south of Santiago. Cauquenes is located 63 kilometers from the epicenter of the earthquake that took place on February 27th, and was seriously affected by it. Many of the buildings in Cauquenes and the surrounding areas were made of adobe, and very few of those constructions, if any, were left standing after the quake.

We traveled with a friend who wanted to distribute food to the people from the mountain areas, who were not receiving as much attention and aid as the population from the coastal areas, but were just as needy.

On the way there we began to see with our own eyes the magnitude of the disaster. Highways built just a couple years ago had been ripped apart by the forces of nature. Houses that had stood for decades reduced to a pile of rubble. Nevertheless, the greatest effect was in the people from those areas. Some of them were spending their days and nights in tents outside their houses, in cars, or in wood and tin structures that had been left standing.

Our purpose was not just to bring them food, but to aid in the healing of their soul and to show them that Someone cared, that God cares for them

and that His love was the reason we were there.

After arriving in Cauquenes and preparing the packages we headed for the hills, through unpaved roads, loaded with the some basic supplies and a message of hope. While people appreciated the packages we took to them, what they appreciated most were the songs, company and prayers. We distributed a total of 100 packages of food in about 30 different locations in the hills surrounding Cauquenes. In each place we took some time to sing to the people, pray with them and leave them a message of faith and hope.

To see a slide show of the visit click here.

First trip - March 6: Paine

It's true that February 27th will be a day that we'll all remember. We'll do so not just because we lived one of the biggest earthquakes in history, but mostly because millions of lives were changed forever in just 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

The destruction that we saw in the towns that we visited (Paine, Hospital and Las Mulas) was devastating. Half of the highway that leads to the south of Chile was totally destroyed. Most of the houses in those towns were on the ground, and as we went through, ready to help in any way we could, we found many hearts that were looking for more than earthly food.

Sometimes you don't realize how much you can affect someone’s life. We may not have taken enough food to make a lasting difference, we may not have given them back their homes, or brought them water and electricity, but what we know for sure is that their lives have changed forever.

We helped to clear some rubble, we played some songs and games, we shared love and laughter, but most importantly, now they have Jesus in their hearts. Now those people will never be alone. Even if another earthquake hits, or they have to face another disaster, they’ll know that God is with them.

For more pictures click here.