The Church is providing temporal and spiritual support while grieving the deaths of several Latter-day Saints during recent quakes in Mexico.
Two massive quakes have severely rattled a nation that is home to more than a million members. The first struck southern Mexico on Sept. 7, killing more than 90 people, including three members. The second struck closer to the sprawling capital of Mexico City on Sept. 19, killing more than 220 people.
At press time, the Church was still assessing the impact of the second Mexico quake.
The Church issued a statement following the Mexico City disaster.
“We are heartbroken to see the destruction and suffering that is occurring as the result of another serious earthquake in Mexico. At this time, it’s difficult to understand fully the impact, including to Church members and facilities. The missionary training center in Mexico was not damaged, and the missionaries there are safe. There are several missions in this region, and mission presidents are working to determine the status of all missionaries. Some have reported that all are safe, while others are still assessing the situation. This is complicated by damaged communications systems, large distances, and travel difficulties. Mission presidents will keep families updated as they are able, and we will provide additional details as we learn more. We pray for their safety and invite others to join us in our prayers for Mexico and its people.”
Meanwhile, Church-sponsored relief efforts continue in southern Mexico, where three members lost their lives. Thousands of homes were damaged, including 284 member homes. Four meetinghouses in the area have been used to provide shelter.
The Church is distributing food, tents, hygiene kits and others provisions to people impacted by the 8.2 magnitude quake in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, according to the Mormon Newsroom.
Elder Paul B. Pieper, the Mexico Area President, met recently with families affected by the quake, local government officials and also visited Church-supported food distribution points.
The Church sent 10,000 boxes of food, 300 tents and 5,000 hygiene kits to Oaxaca. Another 5,000 food boxes were sent to Chiapas, according to Mormon Newsroom.
“The earthquake gives an opportunity to not only rebuilt the city but also rebuild souls,” said Elder Pieper, who has counseled members to “make sure this natural disaster is not a spiritual disaster; make sure it is a spiritual blessing.”
