In the days following Chile's massive quake, the Chile Area presidency enlisted the words of Christ to offer comfort to members and their friends: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
In a message posted on the country's Church Web site, members of the area presidency reiterated their concern for the welfare of the Chilean members, missionaries and people. They added their appreciation for the many members who had followed the counsel of Church prophets and leaders and prepared themselves prior to the Feb. 27 disaster.
"We are grateful for the faithful response of the Church and its members in the devastated zones and throughout the country," stated a message from the presidency.
The presidency message was drafted by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, first counselor in the Chile Area presidency.
Kudos were also offered to the many members and missionaries who offered donations and their time to assist those in need. "The Chilean members have been generous with their fast offerings and their donations to the Church's humanitarian fund. Others have provided service and have donated nonperishable good and clothing. Others have prepared hygiene kits."
This period of natural disasters, struggling economies and wars has been prophesied and foretold many times, the message added. Such calamities should not come as a surprise. While hardships are often experienced individually, the Chile quake represents a hardship shared by many. Many have lost their material possessions. A few have lost their lives. The question remains, "How are we responding?"
The Savior offers His singular form of peace. Hearts need not be troubled.
"Even though the hearts of many have been troubled, we should not fear; our hearts should not be troubled. We cannot permit our hearts to be troubled or afraid."
The Chile Area presidency also declared everyone will experience hardship and, ultimately, death. "Some will die earlier than others, but all will die. The truth is that it is more important how we live than how we die. The truth is that the Holy Ghost comforts and guides us and helps us carry on."
Meanwhile, the work of providing aid to Chilean members and others impacted by the quake continues. The Church has donated some 100 tons of food and emergency supplies — beginning just hours after the early-morning quake struck. A bishops' storehouse in the heavily damaged city of Concepcion has provided food and other provisions to more than 1,000 members and others in need. Other temporary distribution centers have been utilized to help deliver needed goods in other regions of the country.
Improved civil stability has allowed the Church and other humanitarian organizations to operate efficiently in damaged regions. "The food is getting out," said Bruce Muir, the Chile Area's director of temporal affairs.
Impacted areas have reported marked improvement some 10 days after the disaster. Electrical service had been almost completely restored in Concepcion. Gas stations and grocery stores were reopening "and basic services were being taken care of," said Brother Muir.
A Church-sponsored cargo plane laden with emergency supplies was expected to arrive in Chile from the United States on Friday, March 12. Brother Muir said the Church has worked closely with the Chilean government in their efforts to distribute the goods most efficiently.
Twenty-three meetinghouses were being used to shelter member families whose homes were lost or seriously damaged. More than 400 LDS families were displaced by the quake. Many, said Brother Muir, "are staying with relatives."
Amid the optimism, there is grief. Seven members were killed in the disaster.
Church officials in Chile were pleased that the vast majority of Church-constructed buildings weathered the disaster well. Of the many buildings inspected, only five suffered notable damage.
The missionaries and the Chilean members have continued their efforts to serve their fellow members and Chileans. Each of the 30-plus stakes in Santiago, for example, were collecting clothing and goods to be sent to impacted communities to the south, said Santiago Chile Temple President Thomas E. Lyon Jr. Thousands of hygiene kits have been assembled by rank-and-file Latter-day Saints.
"There has been an outpouring of generosity," Brother Muir said.
On March 10, Chilean members also enjoyed a symbolic moment of recovery: A new trumpet was attached to the Angel Moroni statue that stands atop the temple. The original trumpet was fractured and fell to the ground during the historic temblor.
