The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:9–10
Beloved brothers and sisters
Colombia was struck by a 7.4-magnitude earthquake 10 August 2026. It struck the Choco region with effects felt from Bogotá to parts of Ecuador.
Pereira and Cali, cities with several MWC member congregations, were strongly affected. Additionally affected were a number of Mennonite Brethren congregations spread throughout Choco.
Around 100 deaths had been reported at press time, with numbers expected to rise as disaster response crews deal with the damage.
Please pray for our churches and for all those affected.
Pray that people will react with generosity in this moment of crisis.
May neighbours, rescue workers and government workers pull together across dividing lines to care for the greatest needs.
May people mourn together the losses of lives, homes and livelihoods.
Pray for newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella as he deals with the disaster and its aftermath.
May our prayers move us to action.
Watch for further updates from our churches.
Mennonite World Conference has three member churches in Colombia with a total of 70 congregations and 3 000 members:
- Iglesia Cristiana Menonita de Colombia (IMCOL),
- Iglesias Hermanos Menonitas de Colombia (Mennonite Brethren – IHMC)
- Iglesia Hermandad en Cristo (BIC).
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
In the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace, amen.
Henk Stenvers,
president,
Mennonite World Conference