Pictured is the cross at the new mission center in Valparaiso, Chile.

In 2014, a forest fire erupted on the edge of the city. It quickly spread into the neighborhood on the adjacent hillside, taking lives and destroying over 500 homes.

As the Lutheran church of Chile responded (with the aid of LCMS disaster relief), a plan was made to begin a mission next to the affected area. The cross that adorns the altar is made from glass collected from the rubble following the fire.

The people of Valparaiso understand suffering… but out of the rubble and ashes, a church with a message built upon the cross of Christ now rises up to bring hope and comfort to the hurting families.

Dr. Phil