Rohnert Park Looks to Donate To Sister
Church in Chile After Earthquake

By Rebecca Jackson
[Member, St. John's UMC]

Rohnert Park -- November 30, 2007

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake Nov. 14 in Tocopilla, Chile, was felt by members of St. John's UMC here. The small United Methodist church there is St. John's sister church.

Even though half of the town's buildings and residences were destroyed or damaged, the little church suffered only minor damage. St. John's is seeking money that can be sent to help the residents of Tocopilla, as they work to rebuild their town and homes.

Kathy Eastman, a member of St. John's, grew up in Tocopilla. During a trip there six years ago she discovered a niece still there, Paula Eastman. The two organized the sister relationship of the churches. Every February, Kathy travels to Tocopila to deliver school supplies, books, gifts, and money.

Iglesia Metodista de Tocopilla was started in an old house many years ago. About 1998 it was replaced with a sanctuary, two classrooms, a kitchen, and one and half baths. In 2000 volunteers from the nearly town of Iquique helped the construction but the church remained unfinished. The church then was attended by 10 to 12 youth from Iquique on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the week the church was unoccupied. In 2003, Kathy Eastman visited with money and supplies from St. John's, and a young couple was hired to minister on a regular basis. They stayed one year, but had to leave to continue their seminary educations. At that point, St. John's claimed the Chilean church as its sister.

In 2005, a UMVIM group headed by Eastman and the Rev. Mike Turgeon traveled to Tocopilla to help finish the build. They put up a ceiling in the dining hall, painted the kitchen, rebuilt that bathrooms, installed doors, and rewired for electricity. The Chileans were so inspired that Iquique again sent volunteers to finish the walls and floor in the dining hall and tiled the bathrooms. A full-time pastor and her husband were hired to minister to the 30 to 35 children and more than 20 adults. They serve the children breakfast on Sundays -- most having come without being fed.

With continued support, Ingelsia Meodista de Tocopilla plans to minister to people in the neighborhood and start programs against domestic violence. After the quake in November, the church has been distributing cleaning supplies and other necessities.

Anyone interested in donating to St. John's project to enhance the minsitry of Iglesia Metodista de Tocopilla may contact the St. John's office at 707-584-9780, or e-mail stjohnsrp@earthlink.net.