By Hector
Barrero
By Hector
Barrero
ARMENIA, Colombia--I was finally able to visit the city of Armenia, where an earthquake struck Jan. 25 (March WN).
We are thankful that none of our members were injured. One of them is living in his brother's home, which was damaged.
Gabriel Velez and his family, the leaders of our group in Armenia, are doing fine, just scared, but thankful to God that nothing happened to them. Many homes around him were destroyed.
I thought I had seen everything on television, but the reality is overwhelming. Eighty percent of the city was destroyed. It looks like it had been bombed.
Thousands of people left the city to live with relatives in other cities. Those who remain live outside of what was left of their homes in improvised tents.
The city not only suffered the earthquake but also the looting of many who thought it was like the end of the world and wanted to have all possible food to survive. Some wanted food and water, while others wanted to steal all they could.
Because the police and fire stations were destroyed and many were dead, no one at first was in control of the city. The city was without electricity, and looters caused panic among the population during the nights.
Many took up arms to protect what was left after the earthquake.
Three or four days later the army reached the city, as main roads were blocked by landslides, and the small airport had been also been damaged.
At Gabriel's home we prayed and sang praises to God for his mercy and asked him to provide for the many thousands who lost everything.
We gave our members an offering given by members in Bogota, plus another amount taken from the local church fund.
They are thankful to us for this gesture, but we are more thankful to Jesus Christ, who protected them and their families.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers and interest in what happened in Armenia.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999