The Earthquake that Interrupted
Our plans to be “off-line” for a week of vacation were interrupted by the news of a strong 6.0 earthquake on the east side of Taiwan near Hualien. This pales in comparison to those whose lives were devastatingly interrupted by their whole world shaking at 11:50 PM on Tuesday, February 6. Of course, our promise to set electronic communications aside was temporarily abandoned to deal with this emergency news.
The area where we live (on the west side of Taiwan) felt the earthquake at an intensity of 4.0. It appears from the text messages that people knew it was a strong dangerous tremblor as it happened. Immediately there were prayers for mercy,and grace. Friends inquired about each other’s safety. We have not heard of injuries nor damage in the area where we live.
Rescue efforts in Hualien were headline news as people were being rescued from toppled buildings in Hualien (close to the epicenter on the east coast). Thousands of aftershocks, some as strong as 4.5 – 5.0 kept the situation on people’s minds. Our hearts are sad as we think of the 17 people who died, 280 who were injured, and the 751 who are living in temporary shelters. This was not how they planned to spend their Lunar New Year Vacation.
And yet, as we think of the raw power that is experienced in an earthquake, we are also thankful for the reports that Alliance church members are safe and the Hualien Alliance Church building is OK. Further safety inspections of all buildings will be done in the area nearer the epicenter. We will let you know if there is a need for donations toward earthquake relief.
Please pray for those traumatized by the experience. Pray for Christ-followers who are providing care and counselling to people. Pray that God will give us empathetic hearts as we return home and hear people’s stories.
Praying Together
- Please pray for those affected by the earthquake and for those who are ministering to them.
- Please pray for individuals you know whose lives have been interrupted by sickness, shocking news, or other unplanned events. They need God’s grace and our prayers more than they need advice. God has given authority for Christ-followers to bring peace and hope into such situations.
- Praise the Lord for a refreshing vacation. Pray for us as we relate to people who need to someone to listen as they share their experience, including the emotions. Pray for wisdom to know how to respond in each situation.
- Chinese New Year Blessing tracts were being distributed. Please pray God will use these blessings to challenge people to think about their need to believe in Jesus.
- Please pray for believers to have opportunities to talk to their families about Jesus Christ as they celebrate the Lunar New Year together with their families.
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