Churches of Christ in Colombia provide aid after 7.4-magnitude earthquake devastates region

Churches of Christ in Colombia expressed gratitude for the support they received after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the South American nation, killing more than 300 people and destroying some 29,000 homes. Members of the Iglesia de Cristo Armenia Norte shared their appreciation in a video message posted to the congregation’s Facebook page, highlighting the resilience of those who remained hopeful amid the tragedy.

The church, which meets in Armenia, a city in Colombia’s mountainous, coffee-producing western region, partnered with Healing Hands International to provide food and basic necessities to those unable to return to their damaged homes following the Aug. 10 quake. “We will continue to assess and partner with local Christians on the ground to provide immediate assistance and eventually help with recovery efforts,” said workers with Healing Hands, a Nashville, Tenn.-based ministry associated with Churches of Christ.

About 112 miles southwest of Armenia, the quake caused severe damage in Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city. Residents, some using their bare hands, dug through rubble in search of survivors, according to the United Nations. A Church of Christ with about 100 members meets in Cali’s Santa Elena neighborhood. Jairo Badillo ministers for the church, and his son, Andres, a minister for the Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton, Texas, shared the impact of the disaster.

“Several buildings collapsed, including clinics and hospitals, and many homes surrounding the church building were damaged,” said Andres Badillo. No church members were seriously injured in the quake. “I grew up in Cali,” he said, “and it is heartbreaking to see … that places I used to visit and know well no longer exist. Hearing the news about those who lost their lives and the many who were injured is truly devastating.”

Members of the Iglesia de Cristo Armenia Norte organized earthquake relief supplies and delivered them to affected areas. Their efforts reflect the commitment of Churches of Christ to serve and support communities in times of crisis, aligning with the biblical call to care for one another. As Romans 12:18 reminds us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Source: Read the original report