Fuego Volcano Erupts

On Sunday, June 3, in the middle of the afternoon, the Fuego Volcano erupts.  The devastation is dramatic, sad and heart wrenching.

It was just a normal Sunday afternoon, as we were watching the Paris Open on TV.  Glenn mentioned that it was getting quite dark.  We thought it was the normal afternoon rain shower.  Later that afternoon, Glenn noticed a small layer of ash was covering our patio, all over our yard and out into the streets.

It was at this point we turned on the TV to watch the media.  Facebook had lots of images of the devastation.

Fuego (which means Fire) is located just outside of Antigua.  This Volcano is less than 30 miles (as the crow flies) from our house.  The winds were blowing East North East, towards Guatemala City.  At 2:15pm, the Guatemala City Airport was closed.  The last time the nearby Pacaya Volcano erupted in 2010, the Guatemala City airport was closed for 10 days - creating headaches for travelers.  Back then, in 2010, there was much more ash that coated the city as well as our neighborhood.

Sunday, as we watched the news, we could tell that the major devastation was closer to the base of the volcano.  The small villages of El Rodeo and Alotenango were devastated by the pyroclastic flow that ran quickly down the volcano.  No one can outrun the blast.  I've read it is more like a Pompeii effect.  The road down from Antigua to the town of Esquintla is closed.  There was at least one bridge that was destroyed. 

As we view the Guatemalan TV, people are still crying out looking for their loved ones.  There are many bodies that have not be identified. Customarily, the Guatemalans buried their loved ones within 24 hours.  

Local believers have set up Relief Centers where Guatemalans can donate bottled water, non perishable food items and used clothing to those affected.  Churches have opened their doors to house those who have been misplaced. 

#PrayforGuatemala is a trending thread. 

The President of Guatemala has declared 3 days of mourning.  Many local schools have canceled classes.

The world class and famous La Reunion Golf course was completely covered from the blast of the Volcano.

Thank you to those of you who are praying for us and for Guatemala.  All the Camino Global Guatemala missionaries are safe.  Pray for the relief efforts going on.  Pray that folks would be open to the Gospel of Salvation. 

Give to the Camino Global Disaster Relief Emergency Fund

"Though the mountains be shaken
    and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.  Isaiah 52:10