Prayer for people affected by earthquake in New Zealand

Forward by Jane 

Prayer for people affected by earthquake in New Zealand

Yesterday, Archbishop Bob Duncan and I wrote Bishop Victoria Matthews – formerly bishop of Edmonton and now bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand – assuring her of our prayer and support for the people of her diocese who have been devastated by a second – far more destructive – earthquake in less than six months.

Reports from Christchurch are that the February 22^nd earthquake has severely damaged homes, churches, infrastructure and businesses – many beyond repair. Many lives have been lost and rescue efforts are ongoing.  A BBC report, which provides a sense of the devastation, says that 75 are known dead and about 300 remain missing.  (See www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12555890)

Please join us in praying for the people of Christchurch: 

Gracious Father, creator and Savior of this mortal world, we ask your comforting and strengthening help for the people of New Zealand. Comfort those whose loved ones have died, bring swift rescue for those who are missing, and strengthen those who are injured. In all of this crisis, empower your people with your Holy Spirit as they bring Gospel love and courage to their fellow countrymen. Keep us steadfast in prayer until this season of trial has passed for our brothers and sisters. All these things we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (Prayer posted by Anglican Mainstream)

If you wish to donate toward the rescue and reconstruction work in Christchurch, I recommend you channel your donations through the Church Army (now known as Threshold Ministries) in Canada. You can donate online, designating your donation for New Zealand relief work. Threshold Ministries assures us that all of these funds will be forwarded to Church Army NZ where they are working to support and minister to those who are suffering.  Church Army NZ also plans to bring in teams of volunteers to help with the massive clean up operation.  They say, “…each aftershock sets the whole thing back so it is incredibly dispiriting, and every bit of help is invaluable”.

Bishop Don Harvey

Letter to the Editor

"If my people, who are called by my name,
  will humble themselves
  and pray
  and seek my face
  and turn from their wicked ways,
  then will I hear from heaven,
  and will forgive their sin
  and will heal their land."             (2Chronicles 7:14)

Thanks to Mimi, I am reminded of this favourite verse.
As I was putting it down in writing, I noticed the many "conditions" of prayers and the Lord's wonderful promises as a result.  This would be the perfect verse for me this Lent.
Lent this year starts on March 6 to April 10.  I am curious to find out whether Mimi will carry on her Lent "tradition" like previous years.  As for the Church(s) of Good Shepherd, our theme this year is "Fellowship in Prayer" based on 9 expository preaching from the sixth weeks after Epiphany to end of Lent.  A revival conference in English (speaker Dr Dennis Ngien from Toronto) will be held this weekend.  For those wishing to attend or to support us in private or public prayers, please e-mail me.
 In Him,
jane
 

Circumstances

From one of my daily devotion last month, one statement lingered on in my mind........

"God speaks in the language you know best, not through your ears, but through your circumstances."  (My Utmost for His Highest)

After hearing a friend's account of her dad's operation bringing the family closer to Christ; witnessing friends accepting Christ after financial torrents; relating to my own experience with Christ through illness and unpleasant situations, I can only give thanks and marvel at the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing us into the Lord's presence through circumstances beyond our control.

The following passage has now very deep meaning for me:

"I have appeared to you
    to appoint you
    as a servant
    and as a witness
    of what you have seen of me
    and what I will show you. "         (Acts 26:16)

PRAISE HIM!!!!!!   

jane