Twenty-five Church of the Nazarene volunteers provided food, assistance, and a message of hope to approximately 100 people affected by flooding in the community of La Línea in Arriaga, Chiapas, Mexico, on September 19.
A long-period swell and strong waves caused seawater to reach areas of the community that normally remain dry, affecting homes and resulting in the loss of furniture and other belongings. The situation also impacted the community’s main source of income, fishing, as high tides and strong winds made venturing out to sea unsafe.
In response, volunteers from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) in the South Pacific District, together with members of the First and Second Churches of the Nazarene in La Línea, distributed food packages to vulnerable families, helped clean several homes, prayed with residents, and shared the gospel.
Among those who received assistance were older adults, including some who were ill and living alone.
As a result of the visits, four people accepted Christ and one person reconciled with Christ. The woman who reconciled with Christ also asked the Nazarene volunteers to continue visiting her and to hold a worship gathering in her home.
The experience also had a significant impact on the young volunteers who participated.
“My experience in La Línea helped me understand that it is not only about talking about God, but also about sharing His love. I was deeply impacted by seeing so many people in need—not only of food or work, but also of God,” said 15-year-old Cristell Gutiérrez De Aquino of Buen Samaritano Mission Church of the Nazarene.
Pablo Solís Santiago, from First Church of the Nazarene in Tonalá, said the experience reminded him that serving does not always require doing great things. “God allowed us to be there for a purpose: to be instruments to show that His love is still present.”
Abimelec Rodríguez, district coordinator of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for the South Pacific District, continues encouraging churches throughout the district to join the response by providing food and supplies for affected families.
The response in La Línea helped meet immediate needs while also providing support and encouragement to families during a difficult time, demonstrating Christ’s love in practical ways.
Source: Edy Montejo, NCM Mexico.
Translation prepared with the assistance of AI.
