In coordination with the Lutheran Church in Guatemala and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's Disaster Response team, staff from LHM—Guatemala are assisting people affected by the country's most violent volcano eruption in more than 100 years. The June 3 eruption of the Fuego volcano sent lava flowing into rural communities, killing or injuring several dozens of people and leading local authorities to believe the death toll will continue to rise with many people still unaccounted for. Although the initial eruption has ended, its aftermath will continue to impact 1.7 million people, with the possibility for additional eruptions and mudslides containing volcanic material.
As with all of its outreach activities, LHM staff and volunteers in Guatemala are sharing the Good News of Jesus with those affected and delivering hope as they begin to pull their lives together. As native residents, LHM's staff and volunteers understand the unique needs of their people and how to demonstrate Christ's love to them.
"On behalf of the Lutheran Church in Guatemala, I want to thank Christ for All Nations (LHM in Guatemala) for participating in our visit to the victims of the eruption of the Fuego volcano and bringing along Bibles and literature that allow us to give spiritual encouragement to the people who are suffering," said the Rev. Dr. Abdiel Orozco, president of the Lutheran Church in Guatemala.
While we thank and praise God for His continuing grace and mercy in keeping our staff members safe during this tragedy, we also ask that you please pray for the people of Guatemala, especially those who have been injured or lost family members or their homes.
To support LHM's ongoing ministry work taking place in Guatemala, visit https://www.lhm.org/give/forms/formgeneral.asp?id=16.