Building Hope in a Crisis
July 8, 2010
Adriana Reyes is just another typical member of the LDS Church. She has a vibrant testimony of Jesus Christ and loves to serve others. Unlike most members, however, she is also a survivor of the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile last February.
I met Adriana — a university student — two weeks after the earthquake while shooting a documentary of the Church’s recovery efforts in Chile. She recounted her night of terror when she and her mother were trapped in their house. Rescued by a neighbor, they waited for the morning light to discover that most of the city below their house had been destroyed.
Adriana told me that immediate aid to those in need following the disaster was provided by the local members. Salt Lake City and the area office in Santiago were simply too far away. Going door to door, members shared their own food, water and a message of hope with those they met.
“I didn’t know some of those affected by the disaster, but I gave them my love. I remember a woman who came to us crying,” said Adriana. “We listened to her problems. I gave her a hug because I know it’s a little thing that can make people feel so much happier.”
As local members shared what they had, nearby stakes sprang into action. I was able to spend a few minutes with President Caceres of the Penco, Chile Stake. He told me how he had hastily called a stake welfare meeting to decide how they could best respond. Most of the items they requested from the Bishop’s Storehouse in Santiago arrived in Penco the next day. I was greatly impressed that 60 members with their own trucks came to the stake center, and for the following two days and nights they tirelessly drove these badly needed supplies to outlying wards and branches.
I drove to a hilltop overlooking Constitución to view the city’s devastation. It was a reverent occasion — this was the same hillside where six sister missionaries and others had found refuge from the tsunami. In a quiet moment of pondering, I thought of how obedience to be prepared reduces suffering. I marveled of the order that comes from chaos through priesthood leadership. And I reflected on the charitable kindness of donors and members who enhance the Church’s ability to respond in a natural disaster.
As I left Constitución, Adriana shared something I’ll never forget: “I’m going to tell my children and grandchildren the same things my grandmother told me about the earthquake here in 1960. She said it was a great opportunity to show our love for people. It demonstrated that we were protected, that the Lord is here for us, and that he wants us to be patient and have courage. I know that if we endure to the end, we’re going to feel his love and protection.”
Thank you, Adriana, and thanks to all the people in the central coastal area of Chile who were faithful and prepared to help their neighbors.
