'Keep the Nation in Your Prayers': Appeal Following Panama Earthquake

Methodists across Britain are being asked to pray for the people of Panama following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country, causing disruption and damage in several regions. According to reports shared by the Connexional Bishop of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Bishop Juan Simpson, the strongest impact was felt in the Azuero Peninsula, where roads and buildings have been affected by what was described as a shallow, high-intensity earthquake.

Bishop Juan Simpson, a Panamanian national, said: "The impact on roads and buildings has been widespread. Government is still catching up with what is happening."

Although the earthquake was felt across much of the country, including Panama City, Methodist communities have so far been spared the worst effects. Juan Simpson reported that congregations connected to the Methodist Circuit in Panama are safe and that there have been no reports of loss of life among church members. He added: "Our people themselves that at least live in those areas that I have mentioned are okay."

Some essential services, including water supplies, have been disrupted in affected areas, and concerns remain as aftershocks continue. Church leaders are monitoring the situation closely and staying in contact with local congregations. Since Friday 9 October, the country has experienced over 200 aftershocks.

In his message, Juan Simpson urged Methodists to remember the nation in prayer, saying simply:"Keep the nation in your prayers."

As communities assess the damage and recover from the earthquake, the Methodist family continues to hold the people of Panama, church leaders, and emergency responders in prayer.

Pray for Panama with us:

Lord who created the heavens and the earth, and all things over the earth and under it. We lift before you our family in Panama.

We pray that your Holy Spirit would comfort the nation deeply from the trauma of experiencing the earthquake.

We ask that you would give the government and other agencies working on the ground the wisdom to lead an effective and coordinated response to accompany those who have sustained injury, damage to their homes or the loss of their homes.

We ask they you continue to hold the Methodist people in Panama in the palm of your hand, strengthening them at this time and enabling them to be a blessing and support to affected communities, sharing the message of the love and hope of Jesus Christ.

In Christ's name we pray.