Ecuador seeks loan from IMF

Ecuador (MNN) – Recently, Ecuador asked for a little help from IMF — the International Monetary Fund, according to CNBC.

The aid would assist Ecuador in recovery after the magnitude-7.8 earthquake shook the country on April 16, devastating many of its tourist towns on the coast. The country’s president, Rafael Correa, has estimated the total cost to rebuild at around $3 billion. Prior to seeking a loan, the country made the move to implement a 12-month tax increase to help tackle rebuilding costs.

But Ecuador doesn’t have to rebuild itself alone. Operation Mobilization (OM) workers are in the country helping provide relief aid and counseling. And, OM is inviting you to join them.

Since the earthquake struck, nearly 80-percent of homes near the epicenter have been damaged. Over 650 people have been reported dead and more than 16,000 people were injured.

The affected areas have an immediate need for food, water, shelter, and other necessities. In efforts to meet these needs, OM has come alongside a couple of the churches in the area. But as churches and others move forward to help rebuild communities, there’s another need facing Ecuador: Trauma counseling.

In the communities where they’re partnered with churches, OM plans to provide relief and debrief training for church leaders. This will allow them to move wherever needed and help their communities recover from the disaster of this tragedy physically, emotionally and spiritually.

As church leaders and OM workers come alongside the devastated communities of Ecuador’s coast, they’ll have invaluable opportunities to share Christ’s love and act as His hands and feet. But here’s where they need help. To do this, prayers and support are greatly needed.

Please pray for Ecuador as it begins to dig itself out of the rubble of a horrible natural disaster. Pray for swift recovery, needs to be met, protection for both aid workers, churches, Ecuadorians, and OM workers. But also pray for opportunities to arise to share the Gospel and the love of Christ.

OR you can even travel with OM to Ecuador and take part in the relief efforts. Learn more about upcoming trips here!

Another tangible way to help is by donating to OM to help fund relief efforts in the country. To give, click here!