Samaritan’s Purse brought physical relief and spiritual comfort in the devastating aftermath of a 7.4-magnitude earthquake.
Hundreds of people died, and thousands of homes were reduced to rubble after an earthquake struck western Colombia. Those who survived did not know where to turn for help.
Conditions worsened when flooding hit earthquake-affected areas. Crops were destroyed, and houses were swept away, leaving people more vulnerable and desperate.
Serving in Jesus’ Name
Janeth was in dire need. She had lost all her personal belongings and lacked the resources to build even a temporary shelter. Her young daughters were hungry, and she had no idea when their next meal would come.
She was relieved when she heard that Samaritan’s Purse was partnering with churches in her community to distribute emergency supplies. She received shelter material, solar lights, hygiene kits, food, and water. Our team encouraged her with the eternal hope of Jesus Christ.
“God remembered me,” Janeth said.
We thank God for our church partners who are able to minister to families like Janeth’s long after the disaster. Pastor Rodolfo Batero, who helped our team distribute shelter material, praised the Lord for His provision.
“God sent the Samaritan’s Purse team at exactly the right moment,” he said.
The tarps were cut and distributed in local churches.
Restoring Hope
We also gave families Bibles and invited them to participate in a Biblically based trauma healing course.
“Beyond the material damage, there was a lot of fear and uncertainty. It wasn’t just a destroyed house—for many families, it was a place where they had built their lives and their sense of security,” said program manager Stivens Guevara. “The emergency was much deeper than we could have imagined.”
A local teacher was heartbroken watching her students struggle after the earthquake and flooding. They slept during class and often cried or withdrew emotionally. Through our training, she learned how to care for them as they processed their shock and grief.
“I feel more prepared and equipped with greater wisdom to listen, understand, and respond to their needs,” she said.
We are thankful for the many pastors who joined the course. “This training strengthened my calling to serve God and my community in the midst of suffering,” said one of the participants.
Samaritan’s Purse continues to partner with local churches to support communities as they recover from the earthquake.
Please pray for our team as they continue to share the eternal hope of Christ with hurting people in Colombia. Pray that the local believers would be faithful to serve and to love people in Jesus’ Name.
