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 L\u00ednea in Arriaga, Chiapas, Mexico, on September 19.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s main source of income, fishing, as high tides and strong winds made venturing out to sea unsafe.<\/p>\n
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 L\u00ednea, distributed food packages to vulnerable families, helped clean several homes, prayed with residents, and shared the gospel.<\/p>\n
Among those who received assistance were older adults, including some who were ill and living alone.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The experience also had a significant impact on the young volunteers who participated.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy experience in La L\u00ednea 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\u2014not only of food or work, but also of God,\u201d said 15-year-old Cristell Guti\u00e9rrez De Aquino of Buen Samaritano Mission Church of the Nazarene.<\/p>\n
Pablo Sol\u00eds Santiago, from First Church of the Nazarene in Tonal\u00e1, said the experience reminded him that serving does not always require doing great things. \u201cGod allowed us to be there for a purpose: to be instruments to show that His love is still present.\u201d<\/p>\n
Abimelec Rodr\u00edguez, 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.<\/p>\n
The response in La L\u00ednea helped meet immediate needs while also providing support and encouragement to families during a difficult time, demonstrating Christ\u2019s love in practical ways.<\/p>\n
Source: Edy Montejo, NCM Mexico.<\/em><\/p>\n Translation prepared with the assistance of AI.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t\t