Bogotá, Colombia – Members of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) body are responding to the April earthquakes in Ecuador. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific coast of northern Ecuador 16 April 2016, followed by a second earthquake 20 April, and continued strong aftershocks for several days. At least 570 people have been killed and more than 7,000 injured.

Several Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Ecuatoriana (IEME) congregations are located in Manabi Province, an area that was severely damaged by the earthquakes.

Rosedale Mennonite Missions (connected to IEME) has sent initial response support and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) has sent disaster response coordinator David Shenk, of Harrisonburg, Va., USA, to assist IEME in assessing the need and planning the response.

MWC member churches, Iglesia Cristiana Menonita de Colombia and Iglesias Hermanos Menonitas de Colombia (Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren denominations), who have been collaborating with Ecuador Mennonite churches on peace and migration issues, are also responding through the regional MCC office.

IEME requests prayers: damaged infrastructure makes it difficult to distribute supplies and raises concerns about the spread of diseases, and the continuing tremors cause further damage to buildings and emotions.

“We keep trusting that God will help us rise above” says Angel Castro Leon, IEME vice president. “We greatly appreciate your prayers and help.”

Click here to support MCC’s response to assist IEME.

Click here for a prayer.

—Mennonite World Conference release, with files from Mennonite Central Committee