We are now two weeks into the disaster that has stricken a wide area of Chile. The aftershocks continue. Our Chilean friends are at the end of their nerves, as the ground continues to shake, it seems, almost continually.
We are collecting funds to help the people of Constitución, Chile, where our church in Ciudad Satélite, Maipú, have extended family. Practically in an instant, in the 8.8 earthquake and tsunami 15 minutes later, these families lost everything, literally with only a water meter to mark where their homes were. There are no groceries or potable water, few refuges. We need to get tents, sleeping bags and pads, clothes, and medicines.
We welcome the cooperation of the EMELY MOVEMENT (http://emelymovement.blogspot.com/), spearheaded by Madelline Abourched, a student at Hillcrest Christian School who went last year to Chile on a short-term mission. "Emely" is arabic for "Hope." Her organization, with the support of her family, was formed to provide help to earthquake-damaged locations, such as Haiti and Chile. Madi, her mom, and two cousins will be going to Chile with Cheryl and me on April 2 to deliver some goods and to film a documentary to be used in an event later in April. More information to come on that. Pay a visit to the Emely Movement blog! And please pray for a successful trip.
The Chileans in the midst of suffering are showing resolve to rise up from the rubble. Even if you can't understand Spanish, I URGE you to spend 7 minutes watching the impromptu TV interview of a 7-year-old boy in the earthquake zone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1PHZL2gzj4. This young boy will fill you with hope. A reporter spotted him with his sleeping pad in the rubble. He volunteers to take the reporter on a tour of what used to be his school. He shows the reporter what used to be the dining room. He allows as how the food really was pretty tasteless. He shows what formerly was 3rd and 4th grade rooms. He reports that he really doesn't like school all that much, including girls. All the while keeping his foam pad close at hand. This is spirit.
We continue to ask you to open your hearts with love to a people who love us here in the US. Your gift will reach "ground zero" with no overhead - all funds will serve those who are in need. We welcome thankfully your contributions via check to CCM, 37747 Bristol Court, Palmdale, CA 93550 or invite you to donate online at www.ccmchile.org. Also, you are invited to join us traveling to Chile April 2 and June 14 (you choose how long to stay).
God bless,
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