An Update from Billy Clark at Union Biblica del Peru

We just received another update from our partner in Peru, Union Biblica. This update comes to us from Billy Clark and illustrates how "random" the destruction and devastation from the earthquake was.

As the dust just begins to settle, the people of Peru need our prayers and warm wishes more than ever.

Billy Clark writes in an e-mail to family and friends:

"God´s blessings are often followed by opportunities to bless others. Last Wednesday I had returned home early. A star intern had suggested I spend a few moments with Yashmín and the girls. She would take the work team to dinner and on to the airport.

It was strange but we were happy. Hope bounced on my knees. Faith danced her favorite salsa in a pink fairy tale gown and Grace sat across the room pretending to read a picture less chapter on pre-Columbian textiles. Yashmín smiled.

Suddenly, the windows rumbled. A windy day? A truck passing by? Something fell in the bathroom. I turned to Yashmín. She winked at me but fear had replaced a twinkle in here eye.

Grace looked up. “What´s that?”

“What,” said Faith, “I´m dancing”

“Come baby”, I said. I held Hope, her white finger tips pressing against my neck.

“Es un terremoto, mi amor”, said Yashmín (It´s an earthquake) in a calm voice as we locked eyes and moved carefully toward the stairs.

The garden would be safer, or the seismic-proof doorway, which was as far as we got.

Two minutes after that first rumble and it was all over. We huddled for a moment and then life resumed.

**********

7.9 at the epicenter and only two hours from us, my friend Alan stood in the street. By the time he had made it to the pavement the solid mud walls and thatched roof of his house collapsed. Within 120 seconds he was homeless.

He stood with his family, but his story is very different than mine. No house to return to, no books to read or dancing. He will wake to face tomorrow in a lonely park of strangers, beneath a tent. Hungry, he will ration his food for later, thirsty he will swallow hard. He will pray and he will wait.

**********

Rescue efforts are challenged by fallen bridges and swallowed up roads. Our government has created an “air bridge” to send in emergency aid. Our dead can be buried but our wounded must be helped. Getting to Alan will not be easy. Through common friends we have reached him with a bit of money, some food and water. We have old camp tents that can be used and we will draw up plans to rebuild.

Hard to imagine someone I work with so closely losing so much. Pray for Alan and for his family and for the hard days ahead."

Anyone interested in making a tax deductible donation to the HBI "Earthquake Relief Fund" can donate on-line at: http://www.hbint.org/donate/on-line-giving.php

Please send an e-mail to Info@HBInt.org indicating that you have made a donation towards the HBI "Earthquake Relief Fund." Thank you for your continued support!