FIRE RESTORATION IN CHILE

The devastating fires in Chile created a myriad of needs, each of which profoundly impacts affected communities: Health needs became paramount as survivors faced respiratory diseases due to the smoke and high temperatures generated by the fires. Additionally, many families who lost their homes continued to live for many months in unfinished housing, which posed extreme threat to their wellbeing during the winter and rainy seasons. Furthermore, livelihoods were disrupted, and many people faced mounting challenges, as any marginal income was spent on immediate relief and recovery efforts. Low-income families saw their hard-earned homes reduced to ashes in minutes, creating severe security needs. These same families also lacked resources to rebuild their homes, and many remained displaced for a long time. This situation is disproportionately dangerous for single mothers, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable members of the community. Emotionally, members of the local community experienced unexplainable degrees of desperation, trauma, and despair at the loss of loved ones, homes, and entire communities. In response to the disaster, the local church extended compassion, prayer, and presence in response to physical and spiritual needs.

In the face of overwhelming need, the Chilean Church of God fostered relationships with hurting families and identified the most vulnerable people. This project equipped the local church to assist these families and individuals with specific reconstruction and resilience-building projects.

This project came alongside what the Chilean Church of God was already doing to further equip and empower relief, recovery, and restoration ministries. Immediately following the fires, the local church formed service teams: some organized donations, others distributed aid, and others offered emotional support and spiritual counseling. At one point, relief funds were even used to purchase yarn, so that older women in the church could use their gifts to knit blankets for survivors (which proved critical during the rainy winter season).

In the months to follow, the local church oversaw and engaged in reconstruction efforts on the ground, as well as formed meaningful relationships with the families who received assistance through this project. Global Strategy recognizes that partnering with the local church enables effective relief and recovery efforts in the short-term and builds resiliency among local communities for the long-term!

>>> Read more about the unique relief and recover ministries of the Chilean Church of God here: Chilean Church of God Fervent in Faith Following February Fires