Three members of Nazarene churches have died, and other families have lost loved ones, homes, and belongings. Three church buildings have reportedly been destroyed, while several other churches and pastoral homes have sustained damage. A missionary couple and the Eje Cafetero district superintendent were also displaced after their residences were declared unsafe.

Information is still being gathered as leaders reach additional communities. Landslides, damaged roads, movement restrictions, and interruptions to electricity and cellular service have made travel and communication difficult.

Churches and families experience widespread damage

In the Eje Cafetero District, damage has been reported at the Manizales Centro and Caicedonia churches. Communities surrounding churches throughout the district have also experienced landslides and damage to homes. Pereira is among the cities facing significant access challenges, making it difficult for response teams to reach affected communities.

The Southwestern District has experienced the most widespread impact on Nazarene churches and families. Damage has been reported at El Palmar, Dagua, El Agrado, and San Isidro Nazarene churches. The situation in Buenaventura is still being assessed.

Pastor Héctor Fabio Gil lost his home, while several families from Luz a las Naciones Church lost their belongings. Other Nazarene families have lost homes and family members. Communities surrounding the churches have also experienced landslides and significant structural damage. In Cali, interruptions to electricity, water, and gas have created additional challenges.

Local churches mobilize to serve

Despite experiencing losses of their own, local churches have begun serving their neighbors. Congregations in Cali are preparing and distributing food and refreshments to affected families and emergency workers. Volunteers are helping remove debris, and one church has made its facilities available as a collection center where donated supplies can be received, sorted, and prepared for distribution.

Paso Ancho Church of the Nazarene is among the congregations responding with practical care. Some participating churches are located outside the most affected communities but have organized resources and traveled to serve those in need.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Colombia is working with district superintendents, pastors, and local NCM leaders to coordinate the response. Field Strategy Coordinator Juan Carlos Soto has visited affected districts to meet with leaders and assess needs.

Emergency response projects take shape

Three initial emergency response projects are being developed.

In Cali, the response will assist at least 50 families with food and hygiene supplies. Ten of the families lived in a building that collapsed and currently have no place to live. Tents and sleeping mats provide temporary shelter while longer-term housing options are pursued.

In Buenaventura, approximately 20 families will receive food, water, hygiene kits, basic first-aid supplies, diapers, sleeping mats, and blankets.

A third response in the Eje Cafetero District will provide food, hygiene and cleaning supplies, blankets, meals through a community kitchen, and emotional and spiritual support. Ten families, representing approximately 35 people, have been identified as needing temporary accommodation after losing their homes.

Leaders anticipate that needs will increase as teams gain access to additional communities. Beyond the immediate need for food, water, shelter, and hygiene supplies, families and churches face a long recovery involving damaged homes, church buildings, and pastoral residences.

Church calls for continued prayer

The Church of the Nazarene in South America is asking Nazarenes around the world to pray for those who are grieving, families who have lost their homes, and communities experiencing disruptions to essential services.

Also pray for pastors and leaders serving while navigating their own losses, for wisdom and protection for response teams, and for the resources needed to sustain both immediate relief and long-term recovery.

“As the Church, we remain united in prayer, service, and compassion, standing alongside Colombia during this time of grief and recovery,” regional leaders said.

Churches and families in Colombia will need continued support as they recover and rebuild. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who have been displaced, and the local churches serving their communities.

To support the emergency response, give at ncm.org/colombia.