Shaking All Over

Earthquake damage in San Marcos

If you haven't yet heard, there was a major earthquake today in Guatemala. Official reports say that at 10:35 a.m. off the coast of Guatemala was a 7.4 earthquake.  Shocks were felt all the way to Mexico City.  So far 48 people are reported dead as the result of falling rubble.  Three die when earthen materials from a hillside collapsed trapping them.  They were only a 30 minute drive from where we were working today.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/11/07/earthquake-quake-guatemala/1689347/

Jo Flynn and Laura Espinoza lay block
while foreman Elias gives instruction

We had two crews out at work sites when the earthquake hit. The stove crew happened to be in the truck driving to the site where they would deliver and install a wood burning stove for a family in need.  They never felt the tremors as the ride in the truck is bumpy enough.  However the other crew was working at a school in San Andres Semetabaj.  We are building an office with flush toilet for the teachers in this elementary school. I was cutting concrete blocks with a power tool when I felt the first jolt of the quake.  Then the earth began to move under my feet and I felt like I was on a boat on the water.  It was an unnerving feeling for a native Hoosier. The tremor lasted for 30 seconds.  None of our party was hurt.  It was exciting, but our excitement turned to compassion as we learned of the deaths in San Marcos.

I thought of the passage from Psalm 46:1-3.

Office construction for elementary school

"God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging." 


There is a certain confidence that comes no matter the challenge or trial when one knows the power of God.  The psalm lifts the city of God as the place where all the ruckus is quieted by the peace that is found there.  The psalmist says with great hope, "The God of Jacob is with us."

The knowledge that God is with us is something we are very much appreciating this week in Guatemala. We all have felt His loving presence a number of times as we work together and serve. The deaths in San Marcos are tragic.  We are praying for the survivors.  We are praying that the presence of God aid them and help all who suffer today to be encouraged.

We ate dinner together at a restaurant in Panajachel. Our host told us we were planting seeds of hope in his countrymen.  We know that hope is like an anchor to the soul.  As the writer of Hebrews said, "Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe." (Heb 12:28)

Gracias A Dios! (Thanks be to God!)

Pastor Scott