Odessa church steps up to help Venezuela, Colombia recover from earthquakes

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) – A local church is stepping up to help South American countries recover after devastating earthquakes.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Venezuela back in June. On Aug. 10, Colombia was hit with its own 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Thousands were injured and hundreds killed. Odessa Bible Church has close ties to both nations and is providing humanitarian aid.

“Our Spanish speaking pastor is from Venezuela, so he began working efforts right away through the generosity of our church and the community. At this point we’ve raised just over $11,000,” said Ty Coke, pastor of missions and outreach at Odessa Bible Church.

The church is now in deep conversations with a ministry in Venezuela to provide essential needs.

“Now in continuing partnership we’re looking to partner with ‘Boots On The Ground’ in Venezuela to help build a water plant in order to continue to just help the rebuilding effort, and provide relief to the devastated areas,” Coke said.

Coke will travel to Venezuela with fellow pastors to help with the project.

“We’ll be helping put that up and then help sustain the location for six months and then for a year after that,” Coke said.

For Coke, the work of serving those in need goes beyond supplies and funding.

“It’s one thing to provide monetary support, it’s one thing to give them the things they need to rebuild, it’s an entirely other thing to go down there and treat the heart of the person,” Coke said.

Coke said his calling to help those in need comes straight from scripture.

“I read Matthew 28:19 a long time ago when Jesus said ‘go, make disciples of all nations,’ and when I read that I took it quite literally, and so that’s been one of the big pulls, big calls on my life, is to go,” Coke said.

The church is also hosting a Zumba class Saturday to bring people together. Pilar Gutierrez, who is from Colombia, wants to see everyone there.

“August 29th at 4pm in Odessa Bible Church, cardio, fun, fitness, joyfulness, everyone is welcome,” Gutierrez said.

Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here.