Earthquake in Chile

This weekend, there was an 8.8 earthquake in Chile. Angel Tomlinson said that they felt the initial tremors for about three minutes. All of the missionaries are physically okay, although there was some damage to their homes and I am sure that the experience was unnerving for everyone. I know that Trent and Angel Tomlinson’s house had some minor damage and the other missionaries have relocated to their house since it is not part of an apartment building. At first, they had no power, internet connection, cell phone service, or water. They now have power and hope to get water within a day or two.


Trent and Caitlynn Tomlinson traveled outside of town to get water from a friend's house and reported a good bit of damage in the city. The hospital was evacuated because of broken windows and water from the A/C units leaking through the damaged roof.


Rich Miller, logistics manager for the IMB in Santiago, had driven to the mission office to turn off an alarm that sounded around 2:00 am (their time). Just as he reached his car in the underground parking lot to go home, the building began swaying, cars were rolling everywhere. He was able to climb up the ramp and escape the building. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT MIRACLE.

Another huge praise is for the Tomlinson’s son, Aaron. He said he was not scared because he knew that even if he died, he would go to heaven because he had asked Jesus to forgive his sins and live in his heart. His family knew he was on the verge of making a profession of faith and they don't know if it was before or during the quake, but Aaron KNEW God's peace. Shout hallelujah for that.

Here are some ways to be praying.


1. Thank God for keeping all of the missionaries safe and for protecting Rich Miller. Praise God for Aaron’s profession of faith in Christ and the peace he has in God.


2. Pray for continued safety and calmness over the next several days as the aftershocks hit; they are unnerving! Looting will be a problem during the night. The yard is surrounded with a high fence and electric gate so they should not have a problem.

3. Luis is a Chilean missionary who lives near Concepcion; he has two young daughters (11 and 9 years old) No one has been able to make contact with them; they would have been hit with some of the worst of it.


4. Right away all the men on the team will begin to assess the worst areas and determine the best way to minister to people. Pray for their safety and wisdom. Pray for God to use the circumstances of this earthquake for good and for His glory—to draw people to Him.


5. Pray that Temuco gets some water soon. Water is so important to daily life, especially bathing! Pray for God to provide water.

6. Pray for God to comfort the Tomlinsons, Snyders, Hinds and their children and all of the people in Chile.

P.S.  The Snyders have updated their blog and it reports that God has protected and comforted them and their children in such a great way. Here's the link to their blog: http://www.arethesnydersthereyet.blogspot.com/