They mourn those who died, continue to search for the missing, and have carved out temporary shelter amidst the rubble of this disaster. Thousands have lost nearly everything. Thanks to your support, people in six Ecuadorian communities are receiving gifts of hope and love from their local churches through World Renew.

As part of the Integral Alliance, World Renew is working with Tearfund UK to provide food and other assistance to 10,000 people. This is being carried out through a local, Christian organization, called Peace and Hope Ecuador.

“In the days following a disaster, one of the most important things that an organization like World Renew does is assess needs and coordinate with other organizations,” explains World Renew’s Senior Project Manager, Ken Little. “While we start providing assistance as soon as possible, we also want to make sure that we aren’t duplicating aid provided by other organizations and that vulnerable people aren’t falling through the cracks.”

With this in mind, World Renew, Tearfund UK and Peace & Hope Ecuador took time to meet with other organizations before determining its longer term response. They have decided to focus their attention on 10,000 people in six communities in Manabi province: Montecristi, Manta, Portoviejo, Canoa, Jama, and Bahia de Caraquez

Each of these communities was severely affected by the earthquake. In each, there is also local church with which World Renew can partner. These churches will recruit volunteers, identify vulnerable households, and serve as a distribution centers.

World Renew and Tearfund are contributing the funds to purchase and distribute towels, soap, toothbrushes, combs, toothpaste, toilet paper, food and water to 10,000 people for two months.

“Churches have a long term presence in some of the worst affected locations following this disaster,” said Little. “Rather than spending time and money creating a World Renew office in Ecuador, we can partner with these existing Christian outposts as part of our earthquake response. In this way, we help Ecuadorian Christians live out their faith in service to their neighbors while also efficiently and effectively meeting the needs of those who are hurting.”

Now that the churches and communities have been selected, staff from Peace & Hope are training church volunteers to assist with the disaster response effort. World Renew and Tearfund are contributing the funds to purchase and distribute towels, soap, toothbrushes, combs, toothpaste, toilet paper, food and water to 10,000 people for two months. The response also includes awareness raising and training to protect children from sexual abuse during this time of crisis.

“World Renew is positioned well to have a real impact in these six communities in Ecuador,” said Little. “Your ongoing prayers and support are needed so that we can continue this ministry for as long as it is needed.”