Solidarity with churches after tropical depression “Eta”
Tropical Storm Eta on November 1, 2020. Photo: NASA (public domain)
"We are united in prayer”
(LWI) - In a letter to Lutheran churches in Central America, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge has expressed solidarity with the people and communities affected by the tropical depression “Eta”.
“We stand with you as we embrace you in solidarity. Know that we are united in prayer. We pray that God continues to give you strength to face the challenges you have these days,” Junge wrote in the letter, which was sent to leaders of the LWF member churches in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
We stand with you as we embrace you in solidarity. Know that we are united in prayer.
Flood and landslides
The three countries were severely affected by the tropical depression “Eta”, a category 4 hurricane which made landfall in Nicaragua on 3 November 2020. It then moved inland, covering Honduras and Guatemala with heavy rains, causing floods and landslides. It is estimated that 150 people died and more than 300,000 lost their homes.
As roads are under water, pastoral visits and a close monitoring of the situation are impossible at the moment.
We stand "with families who have lost loved ones, with thousands of people who have lost their homes and crops or that are isolated by floods and landslides,” Junge wrote. The LWF General Secretary also affirmed that "God continues to be with you in the midst of this difficult time."
Support from the LWF communion
Churches in the LWF communion are praying for those affected in the Central America region. “In our close accompaniment during these days, we have invited member churches in the communion to unite in prayer and solidarity."
ACT Alliance has issued an alert for Nicaragua and Honduras. The LWF is supporting its member churches in the affected countries to be part of the ACT appeal through their respective forums.
