At 1:34 am EST on Saturday, an 8.8 earthquake hit Chile with the epicenter about 200 miles southwest of the capital, Santiago. We have contacted our New Mission Systems International (NMSI) affiliates Habacuc and Liz Diaz Ramos. Because they needed to evacuate their apartment building, their family has currently moved into their church.  As regional director for the Americas, Aaron Arnold spoke with them Saturday morning. Liz commented to him, “Our family is okay. We are scared and in shock, but okay. There has been a lot of damage in a large area of Chile, including Santiago where we live. There is a lot that is unknown, but we know God is here with us, and He will be glorified in the midst of the chaos and fear.” NMSI also has a Chilean national missionary, Miguel Faundez, who is currently studying for a year in Dallas, Texas. Miguel has  family who live very near the epicenter, and he has heard they is safe. As for now, NMSI waits to see how to respond to this disaster and meet the immediate needs of our affiliates in order to help them to minister to those in their communities. Here are some ways that you can pray:

• For safety, as there have been more than 20 aftershocks that could do more damage.
• For provisions, as many water, gas and electrical lines have been cut.
• That our affiliates can minister to those who are physically or emotionally hurt.