In the wake of two devastating earthquakes that killed more than 1,200 people and left more than a million homeless in El Salvador, hundreds of Church members are working to rebuild their lives and homes.

Photo by Associated Press

Two devastating earthquakes left El Salvador in ruins.

Photo by Associated Press

After two devastating earthquakes that left El Salvador in ruins, above, many people are living in tents, shown at left, including Church members. Among homes destroyed, such as one a Salvadoran woman passes by, below, were hundreds belonging to Church members.

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy and president of the Church's Central America Area said that in spite of the thousands of aftershocks that have rocked the area — including a third quake Feb. 17 with a 5.3 magnitude — members are doing considerably well.

"Many are afraid to go indoors," he said. "They are afraid to go in buildings."

Even at LDS meetinghouses that have become temporary shelters, it is not uncommon to see all the members sleeping outside in tents, Elder Robbins said.

"But members are still in good spirits," he said.

President Herbert Edgardo Alvarado Renderos of the San Salvador El Salvador La Libertad Stake said local priesthood leaders are looking for ways to stabilize members' emotional concerns.

"The earthquakes haven't stopped yet, and there is still a lot of anxiety and worry," he said. "We are counseling the members of the Church to sing the hymns of the Church, read the scriptures and pray as families every day. We are also asking priesthood holders to go around and give blessings of comfort. I think if we do that, we'll be able to move ahead."

President Alvarado said there are many examples of faith-inspiring stories among the members who are dealing with the aftermath of the quakes, which left 15 Latter-day Saints dead and thousands more homeless.

For example, Bishop Neftali Gonzalez was at home with his family when the second quake hit. Their entire home fell to the ground around them; no one was injured. "Bishop Gonzalez immediately went out to the members of the ward to make sure they were OK and help them, even though he had suffered the most devastation of all," said President Alvarado.

Photo by Associated Press

Among homes destroyed, such as one a Salvadoran woman passes by, were hundreds belonging to Church members.

In another case, Branch President Leopoldo Musto was working, driving a bus with 40 people on it, when the first earthquake hit. He could see that the mountain ahead was giving way. Rather than stop, which would be the normal thing to do, he felt inspired to speed up. He did and the mountain fell behind him.

"Another smaller bus behind him did stop when the quake hit and everyone on board that bus were buried alive," said President Alvarado. "President Musto sees what happened to him as a miracle and gives credit to his Heavenly Father for saving his life and the lives of his passengers."

Enriquie Posada, a colonel in the El Salvador military and a member of the Church, is in charge of the largest refugee camp in the country. Like other Church members, he has seen the devastation in the country. "There have been a lot of heroes here," he said.

Brother Posada said he has also witnessed first-hand the good Church humanitarian aid is doing in El Salvador.

In total, the Church has sent 1.1 million pounds of relief supplies to El Salvador: 2,700 sleeping bags; 3,200 tents; 25,000 blankets; 38,000 hygiene kits; 7,000 school kits; 500,000 pounds of food including 9,500 food boxes; 42,000 feet of plastic sheeting; and medical and first aid supplies.

While some of those supplies where shipped by sea, the equivalent of 26 semitrailer-loads full went by air. Garry Flake, director of Humanitarian Service for the Church, praised TACA Airlines, who donated transportation for all the aid that went into the country after the second earthquake Feb. 13.

At the request of the First Lady of El Salvador relief agency, three LDS Family Services family practitioners — trained and certified to help in these types of circumstances — are also in the country, helping members, local counselors and disaster victims. "There has been a tremendous expression of appreciation from the government for this help," Brother Flake said.

Fred Riley, commissioner of LDS Family Services, said the Church hopes to have a lasting impact by training local health professionals. Without minimizing the devastating physical problems that accompany disasters, Brother Riley emphasized the need to address emotional problems as well. "Housing and shelter problems can be solved sometimes quickly, but the trauma that comes from emotional events such as these can last a lifetime," he said.