Video of Flood Relief Efforts

Yesterday, we had a staff meeting at HCJB and they shared this video with us - a quick review of the flooding on the coast and relief efforts that HCJB Global and Extreme Response are a part of along with a number of other organizations. You can also go to YouTube to see the video (and several other interesting HCJB Global videos) - click here.





Please continue to pray as the rains are continuing throughout the country of Ecuador - including here in the "Sierra" (mountains) - yesterday when I was out running a couple of errands, I could see snow on the top of mountains that normally don't have snow from all the rain we have been having.

According to the latest report from HCJB Global's news:

La Niña is a climatic phenomenon which from time to time has a dramatic effect on the weather patterns of the world. In a loose sense it is the opposite of El Niño which is probably better known. In Ecuador La Niña has been causing persistent and heavy rain for the last two months and may continue to do so until the end of April.

Floods are now affecting many areas of the country, the coastal plains being particularly affected. More than 13,000 people have been displaced from their homes and it is estimated that over 3 million people have been affected in some way by the flooding and heavy rains. Landslides have been reported in many areas. As is often the case, those living in poor housing on steep, marginal land are frequently the victims.

In response to the growing humanitarian crisis several mission agencies (including HCJB, Samaritans Purse, Extreme Response, Youth World, Water Missions International and Operation Blessing) are working alongside the national church to bring practical and spiritual help. HCJB has sent an emergency response team to the area around Babahoyo, a city of around 150,000 people.

Doctors are helping with the medical needs of people affected or displaced from their homes by the floodwaters. The HCJB radio network is running an initiative to collect food parcels in Quito and these are being delivered and distributed in rural areas around Babahoyo. Several emergency water filtration units are being installed to ensure clean water remains available to all.

Amidst the disaster it has been amazing to see how God has been at work. Whilst doctors attended patients in makeshift surgeries along the roadside there were Bible clubs for the children and Christians simply sharing the Gospel and praying with people. Many are finding Christ for the first time. It has also been an opportunity for churches to put aside denominational differences and pull together with a common objective – sharing Christ's love.

The climatic effects are not only being felt in the lowlands. In the mountains people are having to live in prolonged cold and wet conditions. We have felt the cold even in our comfortable homes in the city. How much more will those who live in inadequate housing be suffering. There have been higher levels of illness which may well be attributed to the cold and wet.

Please remember to pray for the people affected by the prolonged bad weather, that their material and spiritual needs would be met.

Please pray for the co-ordinated response of mission agencies and the national church and that the barriers that have been laid aside would remain that way permanently.