Prayer--Down Under

I am sure most of you have heard of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. The loss of life and destruction was vast. We kept hearing the death toll rising and the heroics of those tireless rescuers. I have several friends who live there and just got a note from Peter and Katherine, his wife . Peter volunteered at our base in Halmahera in 2004. He and I were roommates for about a week. Peter is a doctor and what I remember was how compassionate and kind he was to those he treated.

He gave me an update on the recent earthquake. Our prayers and heart are with the people of New Zealand and specifically Christchurch.

These are the words Peter quoted from Pastor Steve (last name withheld) from Christchurch--

"John 10:35 says very simply “Jesus wept”. Sometimes the only thing we can do is what comes naturally at times of great distress – to weep and to let out the deep emotions that have bubbled up so close to the surface. Weeping did not stop Jesus from waiting on his Father for the wisdom and power to be able to respond to the pain. Nor did it stop him from working to bring healing and hope to Lazarus and his family. Sometimes you have to weep. Weep, wait, and work. One day at a time. We are still overwhelmed by the response and resilience of so many in the face of personal tragedy, anxiety, injury and hardship. Church remains a hive of activity, the café is open during the day, and many food parcels are still being prepared and going out the doors just as fast to people in need. Fresh supplies were bought in yesterday so we are currently well stocked to provide emergency assistance to people in need."

Pray--pray --pray.