Wednesday at 7:58 a.m., Taipei time, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien County, Taiwan, leaving 10 dead and more than 1,000 injured. Reports state that 700 people are trapped and more than 100 people are missing. However, all Assemblies of God global workers have been accounted for and are safe, and no Assemblies of God churches have incurred damages.

The Hualien earthquake is the largest recorded earthquake in Taiwan since the 1999 Jiji earthquake. Hundreds of buildings have incurred damages. Two major highways, the Suhua and Zhongbu Cross - Inland have been paralyzed due to fallen rocks and broken bridges, along with parts of railroads and the eastern portion of the Taiwan High Speed Rail caused by critical landslides. As a result, much of road and railway traffic has come to a standstill, complicating relief and evacuation efforts.

A disaster of this scale unveils the deep need for the peace, hope, and strength of our Savior in Taiwan.

“We pray that many people in Taiwan will come to know and believe the One True God, who saves all people, who gives the eternal hope, and who brings us true peace — the peace that the world cannot give us, and surpasses all understanding,” said Ty Silva, AGWM Northern Pacific Rim area director.

Approximately 1,000 people living near the epicenter have been evacuated and temporarily moved to emergency shelters in other towns. More than 300 aftershocks have been reported with tremors reaching 6.4 magnitude. Aftershocks scaling up to 7 in magnitude are predicted for the days to come. The threat of additional aftershocks led many evacuees to sleep outdoors in tents out of fear.

In this time of crisis, the Assemblies of God is urging believers to pray for:
• The people of Taiwan who lost their loved ones, homes, and businesses.
• Those who are trapped, injured, missing, and/or evacuated from their homes.
• The ongoing disaster relief work, and for both national and local governments and agencies as they manage the aftermath of the earthquake and monitor the upcoming aftershocks.
• The strength of the AG global workers ministering to those affected by this disaster, that they can mourn with those who mourn, pray alongside the grieving, and help provide aid in the days to come.
• Those affected by this disaster to find refuge in Jesus.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).