Prayers for Ecuador After the Earthquake

Manta, Ecuador rescue scene broadcast on CNN 

 Friends and loved ones, we are safe and were not affected by the 7.8 earthquake in Ecuador on April 16.  As many of you know, Shelly and I are on our way home, and are aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Sun.  Ironically, we are in the Pacific Ocean, and at the time of the earthquake were passing between the Ecuadorian mainland and the Galapagos Islands on our way north to Costa Rica, about 150 miles from the quake's epicenter.  We felt nothing but the normal rocking of the ship.  We are scheduled to arrive in Costa Rica on Monday morning.

We continue to receive updates online about the situation in our former home city Guayaquil and neighboring areas.  There was severe damage to some buildings and public infrastructure, and the latest news reports say that deaths have been reported.  Many of our colleagues from the U.S. Consulate have reported in saying they are safe; we are certain that they will be very busy assessing the whereabouts and condition of Mission employees and all U.S. citizens in the area, as well as providing needed assistance.

Please join us in sending out prayers and any needed supplies and assistance to our friends and associates in Ecuador.  Que Dios les bendiga.