Guatemala Volcano Response

Volcán de Fuego, located about 25 miles southwest of Guatemala City, erupted in Guatemala on Sunday, June 3, 2018, killing more than 60 people. The death toll is expected to rise. Villages in three provinces were impacted by the disaster, leaving homes and people buried and burned.

 Fast-moving avalanches of rock and ash tore down the mountain after the initial eruption, covering villages. While 3,271 people were evacuated, many were trapped in their homes as the hot ash and debris careened down the mountain. Entire communities have been destroyed, and Nazarene brothers and sisters are among those who have lost loved ones.

 Already, Nazarene volunteers from nearby communities are responding. Volunteers have visited shelters and distributed emergency medical supplies, including water, food, diapers, and blankets. They also were able to assess the greatest needs and pray with people who were evacuated, many of whom have lost loved ones.

 Dámaris Kellogg, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator in Mesoamerica’s North Central field, reported that there is no damage to the infrastructure of Nazarene churches in Guatemala. However, citizens are frightened, and Nazarene church members are among those who have been moved to shelters to ensure their safety.

"There are several families that have their loved ones disappeared and others to their relatives in hospitals," Kellogg said. "There [are] emergency personnel missing, too. We pray for the families affected and for the church that we can see with the eyes of Jesus both physical and spiritual needs. We know that God is in control and that God loves Guatemala!"