A magnitude 4.4 earthquake shook the department of Yoro in northern Honduras on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 11:19 p.m. according to Honduras’ Comisión Permanente de Contingencias (Permanent Contingency Commission).

Rexcenbrik Aguilar of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in the Honduras Southeast Central District reported the earthquake destroyed many houses in the communities of La Lima and La Planeta. The structures were already in a vulnerable state following the damages caused by the recent hurricanes Iota and Eta. Nazarene families live in these communities and are currently housed in emergency shelters.

He added the situation remains concerning because of ongoing heavy rains which are causing the nearby rivers of Chamelecón and Ulúa to overflow their banks once again. The concern is that the nearby communities could be flooded a third time.

“The rains have not stopped; the flooding continues in the same zones. There is no way to contain the water. We ask for your prayers,” Aguilar said.

The district superintendent of the Guatemala Verapaz North District, Francisco Cho, also asks for your prayers for the community of Campur in Alta Verapaz, which remains flooded. There are two Nazarene churches in that community. Both church buildings have suffered damages, and the Sunday School classrooms on one of the properties are flooded. Many of the church members are in nearby emergency shelters and others are taking refuge in communities far away.

“We pray fervently for the Nazarene brothers and sisters and for the community of Campur. God will help his people in the face of these new challenges,” Rev. Cho said.

We encourage you to continue interceding for Honduras, Guatemala and all of the other countries affected. Also pray for the Nazarene leadership facing these great challenges. Remember you can be part of the relief efforts at: ncm.org/2020stormresponse.