Article February 22, 1999 Issue

They are God's beloved children!

Prayer in the aftermath of hurricane Mitch

By Julio C. Rivas T.

For a long time after the hurricane itself had ended, news reports told us that the devastation from hurricane Mitch had set Honduras and its Central American neighbors back forty to seventy years in their development of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. The hurricane destroyed most crops and left thousands dead and homeless. How do these countries recuperate from such destruction? How can the people rebuild their lives?

To be sure, it has been encouraging to witness the many brave and unselfish acts performed by victims during and after the hurricane. Further hope is found in the number of individuals and nations around the world that have provided clothing, food, temporary bridges, excavating equipment, and other aid.

My own heart was not numb to Central Americans' cries for help. I was born in Honduras, and tears streamed down my face every time I saw the plight of so many orphaned children on the news. I wanted to grab every one of them in my arms and make everything all well. I knew I couldn't do that, but I could embrace them in my prayers.

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