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