Response plan underway in Chile

The Rev. Juan Pablo Lanterna, president of the Confessional Lutheran Church of Chile, reads from Scripture, leads a devotion and prays with community members whose homes were destroyed in the fire. Lanterna is holding a copy of the Spanish edition of the Pastoral Care Companion. (LCMS/Ross Johnson)

Last month, Reporter shared news about The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) response to wildfires in Chile. At that time, a strategic plan was still being developed.

That plan has now been activated. It includes:

Providing 40,000 meals to underserved families in Viña del Mar, Chile;

Supporting 50 families with emergency medical supplies and personal care and hygiene products;

Supplying 100 families with construction materials for rebuilding homes; and

Purchasing a minivan for transportation and food delivery in and around Viña del Mar.

LCMS Disaster Response will also support a variety of outreach programs, such as VBS-style programs where affected children may hear the comfort of the Gospel. Plans are in the works to bring Argentinian, Brazilian and Dominican seminarians to Chile on short-term teams so they can assist with projects and learn about mercy work.

Together with the LCMS Recognized Service Organization DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, Disaster Response will also organize two church worker wellness conferences for Chilean pastors and their families — one this summer and one next year on the anniversary of the wildfires.

Please continue to keep the people of Chile — and all who suffer from catastrophic events — in your prayers, that they might know not only an end to their physical suffering but the peace that comes only from Christ.

Posted April 2, 2024