Unbelievable devastation and suffering has come to a region of the world where most were already suffering. On top of everything, the cold weather is making the situation even more perilous.

The death toll continues to rise to staggering numbers, and reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of people are in need of immediate help.

Yesterday in conjunction with our partners, Mercy Chefs began providing blankets, coats and basic relief supplies. As I write, Mercy Chefs Advance Team members are already in the region. Tomorrow, our team will be on the ground near where the worst devastation is. Also, a second wave of our Advance Team departed today and will arrive Friday.

Mercy Chefs' teams are arriving at about the same time as government emergency advance teams. Mercy Chefs is once again on the very front lines of an immense natural disaster that has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives.

Now, I need your help!

I'm asking every Mercy Chefs friend to stand with us this week as we launch our relief efforts for those who are suffering so greatly at the epicenter of this earthquake. Go here to HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS:

Also, please PRAY for the victims, emergency workers, and our team. There are always so many "moving parts" when we deploy in the aftermath of a disaster. For example, we are finalizing arrangements for mobile kitchen equipment to be in place near the epicenter of the strike so our team can begin providing hot meals as soon as this weekend. We need favor, protection and provision so we can reach and help as many people as possible.

Thanks in advance, and God bless,

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs

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