When they arrived to the little town of Jama they found out that the pastor and a group of people had moved up on a hill. At about 10:30 they found Pastor Servio Macías and his family of five sons under a makeshift home of plastic and sticks. It was an emotional encounter with hugs and warm greetings. DS Bereche said, “We were impacted by their unwavering spirit and firm faith in the Lord.”
The building the church people were renting was destroyed. When the quake struck there were 10 people inside the church building praying before the start of the service. Six of them ran out but a family of four was trapped under the debris. Someone passing by was able to fit through the 7-11 inch hole and pull out two, 12 year old Diego and his 13 year old sister. They were unable to rescue the father Colofito Ávila Intriago, and mother Lidia Paredes. Their bodies were uncovered the next day.
Another member of the church, Israel Veloz, lost control of his moto-taxi, motorcycle, and fell to his death when the quake struck.
After the earthquake, all the survivors found refuge in a high place because of the threat of a tsunami. That same night at two o'clock in the morning where all of the people were gathered and in the presence of some authorities pastor Macías preached the Word of the Lord to everyone. That night in the highest refuge the Word of the Lord was planted in all their hearts.
DS Bereche said that at 1:00 in the morning, Wed, today, at end of their visit they agreed to return tomorrow night and show the Jesus Film to a group of people higher up the hill of Jama. They left with hugs and session of prayer to pray for the direction of the evangelism in these difficult times and in hope that many receive Christ.
Please continue to pray for those that are still missing and for those in the small towns, like Jama, where not much relief is given.. Especially pray for the families and loved ones of the six Nazarenes that have perished.
Also pray for District Superintendent Santiago and his group of people as they continue to minister to the hurting.