The news: On August 10, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, devastating the city of Pereira and surrounding regions. By August 13, as rescue crews were still searching for survivors, local churches had already mobilized volunteers and resources to support affected communities, according to Christianity Today. Churches filled the gap where institutional response was slow or overwhelmed.
Why it matters for church leaders: India is no stranger to natural disasters — floods, cyclones, and earthquakes regularly affect communities from Kerala to Uttarakhand. The Colombia story is a powerful reminder that the local church is often the most trusted, most agile first responder in a crisis, long before outside aid arrives.
The takeaway: If your church doesn't yet have a basic disaster-response plan — even a simple one with a contact list, a benevolence fund, and a volunteer team — this is the week to start building one.
Source: Christianity Today
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