Papua New Guinea: Earthquake Relief

On February 26 at 3:45 a.m., a 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the highlands region of Papua New Guinea. Over the next 24 hours, many aftershocks followed, some of which measured greater than 5.0 in magnitude. The epicenter of these earthquakes was near the Southern Highlands Province, where missionaries Seth and Veronica Porter live and where many churches are located.

Click here to read an update (4.26.18).

While all WGM staff are safe and unharmed, they are worried for our PNG brothers and sisters. We do not yet know the number of lives lost, and the aftershocks continue. Several students at Christian Union Bible College in Mount Hagen have family in the affected areas and have heard their homes are in ruins. The main highway connecting Mount Hagen to the affected area has suffered landslides and parts are crumbling away.

At this point, reports are still coming in slowly as communication lines are being restored. Current property damage:

• Seth and Veronica’s house has suffered substantial damage.
• The staff houses at the national church’s main health center have been demolished.
• At least six churches and one school have been destroyed.

From missionary Benji Jenkins:

“I have now heard from people in four different church districts. In every one of them, they have told stories of churches being collapsed or covered by landslides. I just talked to one pastor who told me that his nephew was killed by a boulder that rolled down the mountain during the earthquakes. Another pastor broke his hand while trying to escape his house.”

GIVE: Please donate to the PNG Earthquake Relief Fund to help aid in the rebuilding efforts. Our goal is to raise $15,000. 

PRAY: Pray for the thousands who are homeless and scared and for the missionaries as they strive to help and show Christ’s love in the many days and months ahead.