Source: HCJB Global (written by Ralph Kurtenbach)

The people of Chile are putting their lives back together after an 8.8-strength earthquake struck near Concepción early Saturday, Feb. 27.

From the capital city of Santiago, Radio Armonía program host María Soledad is helping many Chileans to do so as the HCJB Global radio partner broadcasts via 35 affiliates across Chile.

Throughout the week María Soledad kept listeners up-to-date, encouraging them from the Scriptures. “In some sectors electricity is being restored—in cities like Concepción, Talcahuano, San Pedro de la Paz. Today I was asked about [the sector of] Michaigue,” she said on a program monitored in Ecuador.

A caller named Marina, her faith intact but emotions edgy, was overcome with emotion upon reaching Soledad. “How long have you been listening?” the program host asked as the two friends chatted on-air. “Just since this morning, we’ve been here without electricity, listening to the radio.”

Another caller, Pastor Alejandro Cabezas, experienced a few difficulties with highway travel to Concepción, but said the highway is generally clear and the weather is good. Moved by the enormity of the situation, his voice broke as he described the difficulties of people. “Some people are quite desperate,” he said.

Chileans continue experiencing dozens of aftershocks each day, keeping many in a state of uncertainty. Even as the tremors continue rattling people’s emotions, Radio Armonía is promoting an aid campaign launched by the Salvation Army. The “Embracing Chile” campaign solicits cash, nonperishable foods, milk and disposable diapers from the radio network’s listeners.

Since 1931, HCJB Global’s passion has been to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Using mass media, healthcare and education, and working with partners around the world, HCJB Global has ministries in more than 100 countries. Together with local partners, the ministry airs the gospel in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of listeners and healthcare patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers.

Samaritan’s Purse has emergency workers and supplies on the way to southern Chile, where a massive earthquake struck before dawn Saturday and triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean as far away as Hawaii.

Our disaster response team based in neighboring Bolivia is bringing truckloads of food and blankets. We are working with evangelical church partners in the affected areas to assess the needs and determine the locations where we can help.

The earthquake was measured at a magnitude of 8.8 and centered just off the coast near Concepcion, the second largest city in Chile. Major damage was reported 200 miles away in the capital city of Santiago. It hit at 3:34 a.m. local time Saturday, February 27 (1:34 a.m. Eastern Time), while many people were asleep in their homes.

Chile has a history of devastating earthquakes, including the most powerful one ever measured, a 1960 quake that measured 9.5 and killed several thousand people. (By comparison, the earthquake that killed over 230,000 people in Haiti Jan. 12 measured 7.0. Each increase of one point represents 32 times more intensity.)

Please pray for the people of Chile and our local church partners.