A three-day fire in the port city of Valparaiso, Chile, has inspired a wave of service initiatives by the students in the Globalscope Chile student ministry in Santiago, according to campus minister Philip Linkous.

“The fire on April 12-14 destroyed 2,000 homes in Valparaiso, which is less than two hours from our ministry in Santiago,” said Philip. “The entire country rallied around these families and flooded the city with help after the destruction. In El Oasis, we gathered together in prayer and praise shortly after the fire for the families affected.”

Students donated items for the families in need and wrote letters of encouragement. El Oasis then made a connection with a local church in the affected area, Iglesia de Latorre. Philip, Abraham, a Chilean staff member, and a student traveled to Valparaiso on April 26, when authorities allowed people into the dangerous area, to deliver supplies and help with some clean-up.

“Four or five families from Iglesia de Latorre lost their homes, and this church is also helping another nearby church that lost its building and 14 members’ homes,” said Philip.

Since then, several students have traveled to Valparaiso to assist in the food storage centers.

“Currently there are two students who have been there for nearly a week, serving in the food storage area,” said Philip. “About seven or eight have gone to serve at different points and in different ways since the fire. And one student has dedicated at least two weeks of service there.”

Philip is looking ahead to more service opportunities working with Iglesia de Latorre in Valparaiso in the coming months.

“It’s amazing to see the hope that the local church imparts in a time of need like this and the optimism they have to see this as an incredible opportunity to share the Gospel,” he said.