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Lutheran Disaster Response

China: Church Responds After Sichuan Earthquake

Members of local church responding to Sichuan Earthquake. Credit: CCC

Members of local church responding to Sichuan Earthquake. Credit: CCC

In the morning of April 20, local time, an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 hit central China, Sichuan Province. Along with its thousands of aftershocks, the earthquake has caused heavy damage in the affected areas. The death toll has risen above 200, with more than 11,800 people injured. There have been over 2,000 aftershocks, leading to continued damage to structures like homes.

The ELCA has been in communication with our partner in the region, the China Christian Council, and has committed $15,000 to the relief effort. The immediate response has involved the delivery of food, tents, quilts and medicine. Future plans are to organize the distribution of relief materials, medical services and psychological care.

One of those churches involved in the response is one of the ELCA’s companion in the region, Luzhou Church. This church has built up a response team through past ELCA assistance and was able to send immediate response teams of pastoral staff, hospital personnel and teams with rescue dogs. This is a great example of why we continue to engage in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts with our companions around the globe. The ability to respond quickly, efficiently and fully can make the difference in how wide the damages of disaster affect a community.

Let us hold those affected and those responding on their behalf in prayer. May we also give thanks for the ability of churches like Luzhou Church to engage in disaster preparedness activities and their ability to quickly respond to the needs of their neighbors.

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Gifts to ELCA Disaster Response allow the church to respond locally and globally in times of need. Donate now.

China: Earthquake in Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces

Emergency goods provided as part of CCC response.

On September 7 a 5.7-magnitude earthquake shook southwest China affecting people mainly in the Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. The quake was followed by numerous aftershocks, which mixed with heavy rains led to mudslides and landslides along the mountain slopes. 81 people have been reported dead with nearly 750,000 people affected. Within the Christian community 29 churches were damaged, three of which completely collapsed.

The ELCA’s companion, China Christian Council, has been responding in the area. Immediately after the quakes they were in communication with the churches on the ground, collecting reports of damage and potential need, as well as passing on prayers of sympathy and solidarity. The response has involved visits to affected households, particularly those who lost loved ones, and emergency food aid of rice, oil and water to 465 households (2,323 individuals). The ELCA has committed $25,000 to help with this response.

As the response continues, please keep the people of the Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in prayer. May God grant them peace of mind and the resources they need to engage in their recovery. Also, pray that those who respond within affected communities may have wisdom, patience and strength in the midst.

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Gifts to ELCA Disaster Response allow the church to respond locally and globally in times of need. Donate now.