An 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Chile's largest city, Santiago, Wednesday evening, displacing more than a million people and killing at least 12 as of Friday morning. Chile is home to more than 60 Nazarene churches and 2,700 members.

The quake is this year's largest so far. The resulting 15-foot tsunami wave flooded many coastal towns and destroyed additional homes. In total, the disasters caused "billions" in damage.

Alessandro Polonio, a Church of the Nazarene missionary to Chile, shared the following about his family's experience during the quake:

My family and I were on the second floor of the missionary house when the earthquake struck. We were able to go down to the first floor, but when we opened the front door to exit the house to prevent being trapped inside, we noticed it was not safe to go out. There were loose electric cables and many trees that could’ve hurt us. We then decided to stay in a secure place inside the house. We could hear strong sounds as everything shook and moved. We hugged each other and waited for the quake to end. Throughout the night we could hear the sirens of emergency responders. We experienced a few aftershocks that were pretty strong and couldn’t get any sleep throughout the night. All morning firefighters and helicopters have been assessing the damage left by the earthquake. All of those who live on the coast had to evacuate due to tsunami warnings.

Tsunami warnings were also issued for much of the South American coast, Hawaii, and parts of California and the South Pacific. 

Oprima aquí para leer en Español.

How to help

Give

Churches and individuals around the world can support relief efforts by giving  to the Chile Earthquake Relief Fund. Donations will be used for emergency kits, tents, and other supplies.

To send donations by mail:

In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to: 

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Be sure to put 125375 in the Memo area.

In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:

Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

Be sure to put 125375 in the Memo area.

For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Chile Earthquake Relief Fund.