(Photo courtesy Compassion International)
Ecuador (CMP/MNN) — The 48th Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)–the largest guerrilla group in Colombia–attacked a section of the Trans-Andean Oil Pipeline with explosives, days after the Colombian government and rebels agreed to a truce.
Compassion Ecuador says when the guerrilla group attacked the Trans-Andean crude oil pipeline in Colombia, they broke it and caused an oil spill in the Mira River, contaminating the Tumaco aqueduct. The Mira River feeds the aqueduct near the border with Ecuador. Water service to thousands of residents was affected.
Although the attack was 7 weeks ago, the government estimated the environmental damage in the country may be the worst in a decade. The surrounding ecosystem will likely never fully recover.
As cleanup began, Compassion temporarily suspended activities at the Student Center and said 390 sponsored children needed clean water. Disaster funds were used to purchase large water storage tanks to provide water for their kids’ families.
A teacher, adult woman wearing a staff shirt and jeans, stands in front of her class, leading her students, classroom children, boys and girls, sitting and standing in wooden rows of desks, in fun and educational classroom learning activities and singing.
(Photo courtesy Compassion International)
Compassion Child development centers provide sponsored children with a place to learn, grow, and study. Those whose families have never been able to offer them clean water, healthcare, or an education now have access to these necessities. Compassion-assisted children attend health classes, tutoring sessions, and Bible studies at the center. They also spend time writing to and praying for their sponsors.
In partnership with the Peace and Hope Foundation, centers are also working to address the legal, spiritual, and psychological issues related to family violence and sexual abuse. Center staff also participate in awareness workshops that help keep them alert and ready to respond to situations of abuse that arise.
Please pray for the kids and families affected by this situation. Compassion Ecuador will post updates when they have more details.
