On November 7, 2012, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Guatemala, killing at least 48 people. The Mexico branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses reports that, sadly, one male Witness who spent 70 hours each month promoting Bible education lost his life as a result of the quake. Three female Witnesses were injured by falling debris but are recovering well. An initial assessment indicates that five homes of Witnesses and one Kingdom Hall were destroyed by the quake, and six homes and two Kingdom Halls sustained severe damage. Local Witnesses are caring for the immediate needs of their fellow believers and other victims.

Media Contact: J.R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000