Peru Earthquake Relief

The earthquake that struck the coast of Peru on Wednesday, August 15, actually hit the towns that I have visited over the course of several mission trips since 2001. Though the epicenter was a little ways out into the Pacific Ocean, the cities of Ica, Pisco, and Chincha were all severely affected.

My main connection is with the Rev. Pedro Uchuya and the Methodist churches around Chincha. These churches are truly Wesleyan in spirit, believing in personal and social holiness, as well as deeply committed to ministry with the poor and with children. The quakes killed over 500 Peruvians; fortunately, none of the congregation were among the victims. But both chuches and homes have been seriously damaged. I spoke with Pedro on the phone a couple of nights ago, and he said the biggest challenge right now is just getting safe drinking water to everyone. Because water and sewer lines were disrupted by the quake, there is no potable water available.

It's a sign of the times that this disaster is already off the radar screen of the major news organizations. The latest English-language articles I've seen are these two from Monday - one from the BBC and one from CNN - detailing relief and rescue efforts, as well as this one from Fox News on Tuesday telling about the disruption to the region's important fishing industry.

UMCOR - the United Methodist Committee on Relief - is gearing up to bring relief supplies to the affected areas. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to the Peru relief efforts, click on this link. It gives you the "Advance number" that you'll need to designate your gift for Peru.

In the past few days, I have also been helping to connect people who have been on missions to Peru directly to Pastor Pedro. It is possible to send monetary aid directly to him via a Western Union wire transfer. He is using that money to obtain food and water for the Methodist congregations, as well as any other people he is able to help. If you are interested in sending aid directly to Pastor Pedro, send me an e-mail. These donations are not tax deductible of course, but they have the advantage of being put to immediate use in relieving the suffering that is ongoing.

Eventually, our brothers and sisters down there are going to need serious help in rebuilding homes, churches, and schools. Sending aid down to them will help in that, and in the coming months I have no doubt that there will be ample mission opportunities.