In the midst of pain, Christ continues to bring comfort and life.
The Church of the Nazarene in Las Gallinas (Senahú, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala) opened its doors to provide shelter, food, and hope to dozens of families affected by a landslide on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Among the victims who passed away were Olga Chub and her daughters Daylin (13) and Kinderli (7), active members of the congregation.
The emergency
According to the Volunteer Firefighters of Guatemala, the collapse occurred due to an unstable hillside saturated after heavy rains. Several homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable. About 30 families were sheltered at the Church of the Nazarene in Las Gallinas and around 50 at Senahú’s municipal gym; other families sought refuge at the community school.
Pastor Elmer Acabal and the congregation opened the church as a temporary refuge to host affected families and provide for their needs during their stay. In coordination with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) in the North Central Field, the team made up of Dámaris Kellogg (North Central Field NCM coordinator), Hugo Lucero (, North Central Field communications coordinator), and Charito Xuc (DINA coordinator) visited the area to accompany and pray with the church. They were able to deliver mattresses and blankets provided through NCM; in addition, offerings from other churches helped cover food and basic needs for the families staying at the church. They also shared the message of salvation, and several women responded to the call to a new life in Christ.
Pastor Acabal asked the church to join in prayer: “Please support our members with your prayers. We are saddened to know our sisters are no longer with us, but we have the confidence that one day they will rise in Christ.”
Sustaining faith
Sister Olga served faithfully in Nazarene Missions International (NMI) at the church in Las Gallinas. Her companions testify that she was tireless, committed to her calling, and passionate about sharing Jesus. A week before the landslide, Sister Olga joined the evangelism team to visit homes, and two people gave their lives to Christ. “Today, although we grieve her passing, we are certain her Savior has received her with the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness,’” expressed Dámaris Kellogg. “We pray that, in the midst of pain, this story becomes a message of hope. May Sister Olga’s example—a life poured out in service and the love of Christ—inspire us to continue serving with faithfulness and compassion, so that when the Lord calls us, He will find us busy with His work, sharing the message of salvation.”
How to help
- Pray for comfort for the family of Olga, Daylin, and Kinderli; for protection amid continuing rains; for strength for the local church and wisdom in decision-making.
- Support through NCM: dkellogg@mesonaz.org
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18, NIV
Source: Dámaris Kellogg, coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, North Central Field — Mesoamerica Region.
