A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck central Mexico 19 September, killing at least 230 people. The epicenter of the quake was in Puebla state, about 75 miles from Mexico City. 

This quake comes less than two weeks after an 8.1-magnitude earthquake shook southern Mexico near the Guatemala border, killing nearly 100 people. It also falls 32 years to the day after a massive earthquake killed thousands in 1985. After Tuesday's quake, whole neighborhoods remain in disarray with buildings reduced to rubble. Rescue workers and volunteers are removing debris with buckets, shovels, and often bare hands as they furiously comb through the debris for survivors.

While no Nazarene churches have been reported as collapsed so far, churches and homes have been damaged. Felix Gonzalez, pastor of the Manantial de Vida Church of the Nazarene, said local churches are gathering to provide water and food to those affected and workers. Some Nazarenes are also volunteering their services as medical staff.

After the 7 September earthquake, local churches sprung into action. Twenty-five churches started working together to provide meals to 8,000 individuals, and many undamaged churches opened their doors as shelters to those who had lost their homes. Since most hospitals were damaged, churches received permission from the government to receive medical supplies, and the Nazarene Border Initiative organized teams of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists from Mexico and Central America. Food, water, shelter and medical response will continue in southern Mexico.

In the aftermath of the current earthquake, local churches' Nazarene Missions International and Nazarene Youth International groups are mobilizing to provide aid. The needs are great. The response will become clearer as the extent of the damage is assessed.

How to help

Pray

Please pray for families and individuals affected by the earthquake. Pray especially for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Pray for the energy, resilience, and success of the rescue workers and volunteers. Pray those are experiencing trauma, that they would sense God’s peace and presence. Pray for those who are most vulnerable, especially senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.

Give

Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Mexico Earthquake Response fund. Donations will be used to provide for immediate needs, including food, water, and medical supplies, as well as for long-term rebuilding.

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 128252 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 128252 in the Memo area.

For additional countries, please give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Mexico Earthquake Response. 

--Nazarene Compassionate Ministries