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Earthquake in Chile

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Category: Prayer Letters

Published on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 13:45

Written by David Rozelle

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CHILE - The Land that broke apart at the seams.

The Board of Directors for Nehemiah Teams International would like to ask you to join us in prayer for wisdom in developing a response to the devastation which has happened in Chile.  Churches and lives have been irrevocably changed by the earthquake and the many strong aftershocks.   We are particularly interested in responding to the needs of a Biblie Institute in Temuco, located relatively close to the epicenter.  The main classroom building was condemned and the other buildings there have been severly damaged, school was scheduled to begin March 15th .  We need wisdom (James 1:5), in order to make the right decisions about our response.  It seems that there are four main areas to be considered.

1. NTI had planned a trip to Chile in May to build a cabin at the Lican Ray camp in southern Chile, less than two hours drive from Temuco.  Should that schedule be followed or should Matthew head a team going down earlier?   Here are some considerations:

a. The trip and team are scheduled with a clearly defined project in view

b. Accelerating the trip schedule would allow quicker participation in the BI project as well. 

c. Because of the destruction, there may be no real ability to do much because so much of the infrastructure needs to be restored and there would not be sufficient time for that.

2. Resources (Finances for the travel and materials for the construction) will be needed if NTI is to accelerate the response.  Pray for both supply and protection in travel if it is to happen.

3. The next question has to do with the role of NTI in the face of such widespread devastation.  We are not in the position to make any impact on the massive infrastructure needs before smaller projects can be attempted.  We need to deicide if NTI should go to Chile now and in effect compete with the infrastructure needs.  Their need for materials and the difficult provision of supplies for projects may seem extraneous to the official who will be making decisions on the allocation of resources for the rebuilding of the country.

4. If the NTI team is to travel to Chile, there is the added question of support for Matthew's family while he is absent for a significant period of time.  Because of the economic situation in SD, he has not had jobs which would have allowed him to make advance provision for them.

 These four over arching questions need to be addressed with Godly wisdom, courage, and appreciation of the faithfulness of God.  Join us in praying for HIS direction.

David L. Rozelle

Chairman of the Board

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