Safe but shaken

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Mexico’s Puebla state has claimed more than 200 lives and toppled buildings from the city of San Juan Raboso to Mexico City, 76 miles northwest of the epicenter.

Kiera Kinnaird, a member of the 12th Street Church of Christ in Seagraves, Texas, serves in Mexico City with Adventures in Missions, a ministry internship program of Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas. She works with the Metropolitan Church of Christ.

Kiera Kinnaird

“We have heard from nearly every member of the Metropolitan church, and they are safe,” Kinnaird told The Christian Chronicle just hours after the Sept. 19 quake. “The (church) building itself is in a zone where many buildings are tumbling. We fear the damage of the aftershock, which is expected to be just as strong as the earthquake.”

Lalo Rocha, a missionary who works with the Metropolitan church, later posted to social media:

“We were able to reach out to most of the church family. There is more damage around our house than we ever imagined — 42 buildings collapsed and there are more than 30 about to collapse.

“We are staying inside for the moment, but I was able to get enough groceries for our family, AIMers and others that are staying with us. We also have food to donate and we are ready to distribute as soon as possible. Roads are closed all around us and we are told to stay in a secure place so that the national guard can do their job accessing buildings and rescue missions.”

Sunset Church of Christ in Lubbock is collecting funds for relief. Make checks payable to the church, note “Lalo and Jamie Rocha – Mexico City Relief Fund” and mail to:

Sunset Church of Christ
3723 34th St.
Lubbock, TX 79410

Or donate through this link.

“We also would like to continue asking for prayers for all of us and the entire city,” Lalo Rocha said. “As far as we know, everyone in our church family is OK and accounted for, but everyone has been affected in some way. …

“This will be a long road to recovery, and we appreciate any help you can provide.”

Relief workers distribute aid in Mexico City.

Filed under: Adventures in Missions AIM Earthquake International Mexico Mexico City Top Stories