Missionaries report from Chile

Lukas and Danielle Fortunato, CMF missionaries with the Globalscope El Oasis campus ministry in Santiago, Chile, were awakened by “intense shaking” at 3:34 a.m. Saturday, even though they live 200 miles north of the epicenter of the 8.8 earthquake that rocked the country.

“The worst that we experienced was a few items that fell off shelves and some furniture that fell. Once things had stopped we quickly got out of the apartment to wait for things to settle, along with several other rather alarmed Chileans,” writes Lukas. “A couple hours later we were back in bed fast asleep, only to find out in the morning the enormity of the night’s events. Praise God, the entire team and all of our exchange students are completely unharmed. Some of us went without electricity and water but nothing worse. Our neighborhood looked nearly untouched.”

The Fortunatos spent the better part of the day trying to get in touch with as many El Oasis students as possible, and so far, all are fine. But now, what next?

“As we were putting the apartment back in order, taking stock of the situation, we began to think about what to do next,” said Lukas. “It’s somewhat of a helpless feeling to be so close to people in need and not know how to help them. In the coming weeks we will figure out what we can do, how we can help rebuild, where we can pitch in. The stories of those who lived closer to the epicenter are, of course, much more horrific than ours and there will certainly be plenty of work to do.”

Meanwhile, Doug and Shelly Kallestad, former CMF missionaries who now serve with Iberoamerican Ministries in Santiago, had similar experiences. Their family is fine and their home has no structural damage. However, one couple from their team and some church members had to evacuate their apartments due to building collapse. “They basically got out with the clothes on their backs and their computer and guitar,” wrote Doug. The church buildings have withstood the damage for the most part, although there will be some repair work needed. And some team members who live in the southern regions, including Concepcion, epicenter of the quake, have not yet been accounted for.

“Please keep the people of Chile in your prayers,” added Doug, “and pray that the love of Christ will be spread throughout the country.”