Tyler pastor connects East Texas community to Colombia earthquake relief

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Tyler pastor with roots in Colombia is working to channel local support to earthquake survivors after a powerful quake struck the western portion of the country, killing at least 181 people, injuring more than 2,500 and leaving 195 others missing.

Nicolas Marimon, pastor of Lifepoint en Español in Tyler, said the first thing he did after learning of the earthquake was call his family in Colombia’s north coast to confirm they were safe.

“It was very hurtful to see all the destruction happening and all the people not knowing what to do,” Marimon said.

Tyler community responds

Marimon, who was born in Colombia and lived there for 25 years before moving to Tyler, said he has been monitoring the situation through direct contact with people on the ground. He said he has been in close communication with Pablo Arciniegas, a missionary living in Quindío, one of the regions most affected by the earthquake.

Arciniegas told Marimon that airports in the area are closed, water is unavailable, and residents have been asked to remain indoors after 6 p.m. due to reports of looting. Arciniegas said his own church was not destroyed, but surrounding areas in Quindío sustained significant damage.

Marimon also said a church attendee told him her sister’s home was cracked by the quake and is no longer livable, though no lives were lost in that instance.

Donations and relief efforts

Marimon said his church has been praying and coordinating with Christian leaders in Colombia who have influence in affected communities. He said those leaders are accepting monetary donations through two accounts, which he described as the fastest way to deliver aid given the distance.

“Every person has the capacity to give something,” Marimon said. “It doesn’t matter the amount, everybody has something to give.”

Arciniegas is also accepting donations of food and supplies in addition to monetary contributions through a banking account he has set up to direct funds to people in need.

Marimon said he has observed Tyler residents expressing support and asking how to help through local Facebook groups.

“It’s beautiful to see the unity when hard times come,” Marimon said.

Colombia’s president said at least 181 people have been killed and more than 2,500 injured. At least 195 people remain missing, according to the president’s office. Civilian-run databases suggest the missing count could be closer to 4,000. The earthquake affected multiple cities across the western portion of Colombia.