Members lose homes
in Colombia quake

BOGOTA, Colombia--Several Worldwide Church of God members lost their homes in an earthquake that struck Armenia, Colombia, Jan. 25, reported pastor Hector Barrero.

According to the Red Cross in Armenia, 922 people were killed and 3,995 injured.

Many roads are not good for transit, Mr. Barrero said, and rescuers and government officials are trying to re-establish the electricity and water supply.

Survivors depend on food sent from all over the country. Many have migrated to other cities to live with relatives.

"Evangelicals are united to help out their members," Mr. Barrero said.

"I have contacted some of our friends of The Bible League to offer our help. We have sent $400 in food and supplies to our brothers and sisters in Jesus.

Status of members

Gabriel Velez, his wife, Luz Mary, and son Mauricio migrated to Popayan. The WCG member leader there, Efren, and his wife, Flor Maria, received Gabriel and his family at their home.

The church sent money to Gabriel. They also needed clothing as they had to abandon everything they had in Armenia.

Amanda Oviedo lost her downtown business. So far it is not clear what her situation is and that of her family, as telephone communications are difficult.

David Leguizamon lost his home. He went to a camp shelter with his mother, and the church is trying to communicate with him.

"Our friends of The Bible League, who have permission to enter Armenia, said they would look for him," Mr. Barrero said.

Alvaro Berrio, not an active member of the WCG, was happy to receive a call from Mr. Barrero. He lost his downtown business. He and his family moved to the countryside to live with relatives. He said he wanted to receive again El Noticiero (Spanish WN) and taped sermons from Bogota.

"We also have 10 more people, not members, but people who used to attend Bible studies when I visited Armenia," Mr. Barrero said. "We hope to have news about them and help them in any way possible.

"So, we have a lot to do, and we ask for your prayers that God and Jesus Christ will lead us to do all we can to help."

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999