Yesterday I returned from our first visit and relief effort in the earthquake zone in the province of Ica (south of Lima). The devastation is incredible with 60% of homes being destroyed and another 25% damaged around the town of Chincha. In the town of Pisco, the destruction seems to be total. As we spent the last three days delivering a few supplies (mostly medical goods we had in storage) and coordinating local churches how FH will begin to deliver more relief in the next days and weeks to come, I was overwhelmed by the destruction and the great need of the people. Today I returned to our office in Lima to organize the relief that we will begin later this week. Wed. or Thurs. I will return with a team of staff from our Lima office, to open 3 soup kitchens and distribution centers in some of the hardest hit and neediest areas around the city of Chincha. We will be partnering with the local churches in the area, so that our efforts not only help those in need, but also empower and enable the local church to respond to the needs of all the people in their communities. We hope to reach 2000 people for the next 7-10 days and may be able to do more depending on the outcome of several funding requests.
When I came home to my apartment here in Lima tonight, I was exhausted and realizing that I am completely overwhelmed by the task the Lord has set before me (helping to coordinate the FH-Peru response). I know that it is only through the Lord's providing of connections, and resources, and through his strength and wisdom that we will be able to effectively serve these families. So my prayer is for just that....provision, wisdom and strength.
My body is tired, and I know there are many long days ahead, but the Lord is faithful to provide and I offer to him all the work of our hands and minds and hearts in the next days and weeks to come. That he would use me and FH to glorify him and to share His love in tangible ways so that His light break through this darkness.
Is this not the fast you have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo
the cords of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share our food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter;
When we see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from our own flesh?
Then our light will break forth like the dawn, and our healing will quickly appear, and our righteousness will go before us;
Your glory, O Lord, will be our rear guard.
Then we will call, and You will answer;
We will cry and you will say “Here I am.”
If we put away the yoke from our midst, the pointing of the finger and the malicious talk, and if we extend our souls to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then our light will rise in the darkness, and our gloom will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 58:6-10
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