A large earthquake rolled through California’s northern Bay Area just before 3:30 a.m. Sunday, about 10 miles northwest of American Canyon, which is about 6 miles southwest of Napa.
It was the largest quake to shake the Bay Area since the 6.9-magnitude Loma Prieta temblor in 1989, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It damaged some buildings, ignited fires, knocked out power to tens of thousands, and sent residents running out of their homes into darkness.
Pastor Oscar Paniagua of the Iglesia de Dios Vida Eterna (Eternal Life Church of God) of Vallejo, California, said that many of the members’ homes had minor damage. Moreover, he stated that there were no reports of injuries to any of the families who attend this Church of God congregation. However, the building where the congregation holds its services did experience damage.
The quake caused significant damage to the building where the Eternal Life Church of God meets. Pastor Paniagua said that in spite of the broken glass and other damage to the building, the church held its services Sunday because they had to express their gratitude to the Lord for having kept their families safe. Dr. Miguel Vega, and Berta his wife, administrative bishops for the Northwestern Spanish Region, visited the church to survey the extent of the damages. “I am glad that none of our families were hurt,” said Vega.
The Iglesia de Dios Vida Eterna has boarded-up its windows to discourage looting. Pastor Paniagua has asked that we keep him, his family and the congregation in our prayers. Bishop Vega will be monitoring the progress of repairs to the building and will share reports as they become available.
