Earthquake Update

We are thankful to be alive and safe, but our constant prayers and thoughts go out to the Christchurch community as they have lost many people today. I'm sure you are all aware because news travels around the world quickly: I already noticed its making front page news on CNN and FOX.

It's hard to imagine that this morning, 65 people (maybe even more by tomorrow morning's count) went to work, walked the streets, took touristy pictures like any other day. But it was their time to die and a devastating earthquake the means for this. It especially hits home because that was where we were a few weeks ago with our grandparents, during which time we also felt two small earthquakes. In fact, the place where we sitting during our second earthquake experience is now completely covered in bricks, large stones and debris from the collapsed building where we bought our cappuccinos.

I won't forget the image of a man's lower legs and shoes, sticking out from under a pile of rubble, motionless, still. It's a strange feeling when it hits so close to "home", and you suddenly get the reality check that, true, these things can happen in our "safe" Western cultures and countries.

We wanted you to know that we are safe. We live on the North Island of New Zealand; Christchurch is on the South Island. However, our country will be in mourning and we ask for your prayers for all those affected. We know the Lord is in control, but that's easy to say when you are not fleeing from crumbling buildings or finding out that loved ones have perished. Pray that those who are actually living this nightmare might be turned to the Lord and given strength to trust His plan.

For some New Zealand updates on the situation, go to this website:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/