Twenty-five Church of the Nazarene volunteers provided food, assistance, and a message of hope to approximately 100 people affected by flooding in the community of La Línea in Arriaga, Chiapas, Mexico, on 19 September 2026.
Powerful ocean swells caused seawater to reach normally dry areas of the community, affecting homes and resulting in the loss of belongings. The situation also affected the local fishing industry, the community’s main source of income, as high tides and strong winds made venturing out to sea unsafe.
In response, volunteers from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) in the South Pacific District, together with members of the First and Second Churches of the Nazarene in La Línea, distributed food packages to vulnerable families, helped clean several homes, prayed with residents, and shared the gospel. Older adults, including some who were ill and living alone, received assistance.
The volunteer visits resulted in four people accepting Christ and one person reconciling to Christ. The woman who experienced reconciliation asked the Nazarene volunteers to continue visiting her and to hold a worship gathering in her home.
The experience also significantly impacted the young volunteer participants.
“My experience in La Línea helped me understand that it is not only about talking about God, but also about sharing His love. I was deeply impacted by seeing so many people in need—not only of food or work, but also of God,” said Cristell, of Buen Samaritano Mission Church of the Nazarene.
Pablo Solís Santiago, from First Church of the Nazarene in Tonalá, said the experience reminded him that serving does not always require doing great things.
“God allowed us to be there for a purpose: to be instruments to show that His love is still present.”
Abimelec Rodríguez, NCM coordinator for the Mexico South Pacific District, is encouraging churches throughout the district to join the response by providing food and supplies for affected families.
The response in La Línea helped meet immediate needs and provided support and encouragement to families during a difficult time, demonstrating Christ’s love in practical ways.