Churches of Christ respond after tropical storm claims lives in Central America

As Christians in the U.S. celebrated Thanksgiving, Tropical Storm Otto smashed into Central America, claiming nine lives, flooding roadways and destroying homes.

A month later, Churches of Christ continue to help those in the areas affected by the storm rebuild. 

In Costa Rica, members of the San Jose de Upala Church of Christ took shelter in the congregation’s building as the floodwaters rose, said Heiner L. Montealto, who traveled to Upala to distribute water and food.

Storm damage in Upala, Costa Rica. (PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEINER MONTEALTO)

Montealto, a graduate of the Brown Trail School of Preaching in Bedford, Texas, ministers for a Church of Christ in Bagaces, about 15 miles from Upala. 

All of the church members survived the storm, Montealto said, “but they lost everything.”

The Christian Chronicle contacted church members in Costa Rica and asked them to help us find a congregation in the U.S. that could collect funds for those impacted by the storm. 

Carlos Ulate, minister for the Heredia Church of Christ, suggested the Bammel Church of Christ in Houston as a collection point for relief funds. The congregation supports several missions in Central America.

We will post updates as they become available.