E-mail from Regional Administrator

Our ABWE regional administrator sent the following e-mail today:

It is now 48+ hours since the first earthquake report. 100+ aftershocks have been reported since that time. As of Sunday, 708 have died as a result of the quake. Two million are homeless. Extensive damage has been reported in and around Santiago, Chile and continuing to the south. Concepcion, Chile is the closest city to the epicenter. Mostly older structures have suffered damages. Newer buildings, built with strict construction codes to withstand earthquakes, have only suffered minor damages. Sunday the Santiago airport was partially opened to air traffic.

Chile represents our region’s largest concentration of ABWE missionaries. We are thankful that all have come through the earthquake well. We have also received word from our national pastors, church members and Adelphos partners that they too are well. Relief efforts are being coordinated at this time for those who have needs.

Both our MK Academy and our Seminary are in need of major clean ups. Books, ceiling tiles, and general disorder in the classrooms have been reported. Several of our missionaries have shared pictures on their face book and blog accounts. School has been postponed to allow time for the cleaning to take place.

Much prayer is needed for those who have suffered loss during this time. Thank you for your prayers.