Pastor Andres, Pastor Jaime, and I made a run for Pisco yesterday, less than 36 hours from the time the earthquake occurred. We loaded Andre's car with 30 blankets and gallons of water to distribute to the earthquake victims. We went looking for and found Andre's members in Canete, a costal town. The families were fine as were their homes. Everyone in the village, from the seniors to the moms and their babies, drag their mattresses outside to sleep at night, due to fear from the countless aftershocks.

In San Clemente, just outside Pisco, we located Pastor Andre's sister Placida, and brother Serilo. They are both elderly and live alone much of the year. (Their homes are used by their huge extended family (migrant workers) that comes down from the sierra to work in the cotton and vegetable harvests.) Thankfully, these other family members / church members were not in San Clemente when the quake struck, as far as we know.

The homes of Placida and Serilo were completely destroyed, reduced to adobe rubble. Praise be to God, Placida and Serilo were not injured. About the only possessions they recovered were a few pots and plastic dishes. We gave each of them a heavy blanket, water, and a donation towards the construction of a new house.

I need to leave for the Amazon today for services and meetings with the natives, but will be returning with Andres to San Clemente as soon as I get back. I will be writing much more about our members and the earthquake as soon as I return. The devastation is simply beyond imagination. Your prayers for all the victims of the Peru quake are very much appreciated!

En Cristo,

Terry

Photos:

1. - Firemen getting close to body buried in the rubble.
2. - In front of where Placida's home used to stand. L. to R: Macod (Placida's daughter), Terry, Pastor Andres (Placida's brother). There is absolutely nothing left standing of the house.