Assessment & Aid

Monday, March 1st, 2 days after the earthquake, we packed up and headed out to assess the situation closer to the epicenter and bring what help we could for those we would find along the way. Collecting food, water and getting diesel before leaving town was not a quick process. However, after many hours of waiting in lines, we had a small supply of rice, milk, tuna, cereal and potable water.

We set off after 5pm and headed for the coast and then northward. One aspect of our mission was to find a pastor friend of Trent's (Luis) from whom he had not yet gotten word on his safety. We passed through the town of Tirúa, where we saw considerable damage from the quake as well as the tsunami that followed. Pressing northward, we arrived in Coñete after dark. We asked directions from a person or two, also inquiring if they knew Pastor Luis. When we came upon the two military men guarding a gas station, we were informed the town was under a curfew and no one was to be about after 8pm (it was after 10pm). We explained ourselves and were directed to the police station on the town plaza and were told we would have to continue our search in the morning. We were given permission to pitch tents there in the town plaza, where we tried to get some rest despite the coming and going all night of the police and the 5 or 6 aftershocks we could feel quite well lying there on the ground.

In the morning we began to ask around to see if anyone knew Pastor Luis. We were grateful to find a woman working for the city who did and who offered to take us to his neighborhood. There we found him and his family safe and sound. We exchanged stories and information about the status of roads and towns in the area. We were also able to give them some provisions and even some Jesus coloring books for their kids and the kids of the neighborhood.

We explored further north, where we began to encounter more damage on the roads and a couple rather tricky spots. After stopping for a sandwich, we mapped out a way home (being mindful of how much fuel we had left and the fact that there was none to be found in that area). As we traced our steps back, we had taken note of a small community which was located just far enough outside the nearest town to likely complicate their ability to receive aid. There we decided to give out the supplies we brought along. The people had not yet received any aid and were very grateful. We were grateful for the chance to give them a small dose of encouragement, even opening God's word to share about the special kind of peace that can be found in Jesus. We hope his love opened the door to some hearts.

Here's a video that captures a bit of what we encountered on the journey.


The latest: Tonight we met with a group of other missionaries, local partners and church members to hear what they know, what they're doing and where, so that we might coordinate our efforts. Trent and Anders will head out again tomorrow to meet with Luis and begin planning to organize our efforts through his church in Coñete in order to reach out to parts further north. We will also pass through Angol and perhaps other new areas to assess needs. Pray with us as we endeavor to touch hurting lives with the love of Jesus Christ.