Chile Quake Coverage 2

On our second coverage of the Chile earthquake, it was just our photographer and me and we were unconnected with another team. This allowed us to go where we wanted to go and spend our time actually gathering stories.

Our company had adopted the philosophy of aiding the relief work already being done by Chilean churches. So our role became one of facilitation and demonstration, while the Chileans did the real work. We provided money and equipment - they provided the hours and manpower. This way, we don’t usurp their ownership of the relief, and they continue to reach out to their neighbors as messengers of His love who already know both the culture and the language.

We found that field kitchens were already operational in both Molina and in Talca. Again, a majority of the work was being done by youth. From all over the nation, Chilean youth, volunteering with The National Union of Young Baptists, have traveled to Talca and Molina to help prepare food.

Sometimes they distribute food door to door to those who’ve made their needs known ahead of time. Other times they drive a truckload of food into a needy community and allow residents to line up and receive the meals. Sometimes they feed those who have lost so much, they have no ability to cook for themselves. Sometimes they feed those who are so busy with repairs, they have no time to cook for themselves.

One thing is certain - The Chilean church is reaching out to its neighbors with love, and the youth are leading the charge.