Peru Earthquake

On August 15, 2007, an 8.0 M earthquake hit the southern central coast of Peru—one of the most populated areas in the country— triggering tsunami warnings throughout the South American Pacific coast that extended even as far as Hawaii. The earthquake resulted in severe damage of several buildings and even complete destruction of others. The loss of human life was horrendous. Many people lost their homes and livelihood overnight; even churches and hospitals were not spared.

Although Peru is located in a tectonic fault and small tremors are very common, the general population, and the government infrastructure, in particular, were completely unprepared for this terrible disaster, which came suddenly. The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency and many organizations, both domestic and international, were willing to make donations after seeing images of the devastation.

However, due to damaged transportation links and bureaucratic loopholes, help was slow to come. With little to no outside aid, the victims of the disaster began to fall into despair, particularly in the Ica Region. The members of the World Mission Society Church of God in Lima and Huancayo were quick to lend a hand to their neighbors. Following the teaching and example of Heavenly Mother New Jerusalem, who is the Good Samaritan in these last days, the members of the Church of God are always more than willing to devote their time and put their effort to help those in greatest need.

Since many victims lost their homes, many international organizations and the Peruvian government sent tents for temporary living. The hot southern Peruvian weather made living in these tents uncomfortable, especially for children. So, the Church of God members decided to provide the victims with more adequate housing.

The volunteer members went primarily to the Tambo de Mora district in the Chincha province, one of the most affected districts in the south. When they arrived, they worked in unison to clear out the rubble of the destroyed homes. Earnestly wanting to understand the suffering of the victims, the volunteers began constructing suitable temporary shelters with all their heart, as if they were building a house of their own. With tender words and cries of “We Love You!”, the volunteers filled the victims with hope and helped alleviate their pain.

Although many of the members of the  Churches of God in Peru are not affluent, they set up two bazaars to raise funds for the victims. Several members willingly gave up their valuables and other belongings to be sold off at the bazaars. Detached from worldly possessions, they gladly donated their time and valuables in order to serve their neighbors, according to the teaching of Heavenly Mother. Hearing about the willing and pure mind of the members of the Church of God in Peru, the Head Office of the Church of God in South Korea sent more funds to increase the positive effect of the volunteer core. Now, the Church of God volunteers planned to build temporary classrooms, infirmaries and other amenities to restore a feel of normalcy in the desolate areas.

The hard work of the Church of God volunteers earned them praise from the residents as well as the regional government and other relief effort organizers. By the hand of God the Mother, whose leadership guarantees the success of the volunteers, a Peruvian news network took notice of the Church of God’s work. TV Peru broadcasted an interview with Pastor Kim Jin-guk of one of the Churches of God in Lima, to comment on the earthquake relief efforts. “A mother can only think of the welfare of her children in times of disaster,” said Pastor Kim, “we want to understand and let others understand how much Heavenly Mother grieves for Her children who are in peril because of great disasters.”

Through the fundraising efforts and the volunteer work of the Churches of God in Peru, many ailing people were relieved and have been given the opportunity to start anew. These beautiful deeds are an amazing fragrance of Christ, through which the members of the Church of God worldwide can have a deeper understanding of the love and teachings of Heavenly Mother. Through kind acts, in line with the teaching of God, the volunteers of the Church of God serve as a refreshing rain shower that gives hope for a better future to the afflicted as well as encouragement for people to help others in need for the goodness of all.