Earthquake Update #3

(From Jarvis Ferguson)

From updating news, the earthquake was about 7.9 with epicenter south of Lima about 95 miles. As of the moment, we've had about 10 afterquakes that have measured about 5.0 on the scale. As to the city of Lima where we live, there is little damage except for a few adobe walls and buildings.

 

The zone affected to our south which includes the cities of Pisco, Chincha and surrounding villages has been heavily damaged, up to 70% destoyed, including hospitals. The main highway to the zone, The Panamericana, has been heavily damaged as well, so it is difficult to get aid to the area at this moment. Hundreds of deaths and injuries are being reported and updated.

 

The Wesleyan Church, which started in northern Peru 103 years ago, as yet does not have congregations in the area, although family members do live in the area.

 

I recently heard via telephone from our National Superintendent, Godofredo Mezones, who lives in the north. We are trying to communicate with our other pastors to see how their congregations in Lima and the mountains nearby are doing. Once communication is established, they will be looking at how the church can best respond.

For those in Texas and Louisiana, Kayleen Rosenquist, who is ministering in the Amazon, called this morning from Tamshiyacu to see how we are and to let us know she is OK.

 

Our pastors in Cusco, Jose and Cecil de Ita, are also doing well there. They felt the movement, but experienced no damage.

*Also, keep Dena in prayer, she is running a high fever this morning.