What a week it has been for our country. For those of us who came out of Cyclone Gabrielle reasonably unscathed we have so much to be grateful for and we realise that the basic everyday things that we have should not be taken for granted. Basic drinking water, electricity and refrigeration, being able to communicate with family, having your daily medications, food for your pet and for yourselves. We can only imagine the trauma and devastation in Napier, Hastings and the Hawkes Bay region including Wairoa and the East Coast from their stories and what we see on television. After having lost everything the main comment that survivors have to say is “at least we are alive”. Many escaped with just seconds before slips took their homes away and waters rose so high that they had to wait on rooftops for helicopters to rescue them. They are now coming to terms with the aftermath having lost everything and having to start up again from scratch once the debris is cleared away.
It is good to see our first responders and the nation as well as the Australian government responding to our national disaster relief. We are probably sitting at home in the comfort of our homes watching everything unfold on television and we may be asking ourselves how can we be more pro-active in responding to what is going on in these other parts of our country? Perhaps this is the time to sort through our homes and all the things we have “double-up” on, the extra blankets and sheets, linen we have that we don’t actually use. We could find the drop-off centres and take these to them or even ring someone to pick them up. I wonder what we as a church could do? Perhaps we could become a drop-off centre for goods to be transported to these cyclone stricken regions? I’d be interested in your thoughts. I’m sure we all know someone who has been affected and will continue to pray and find ways of reaching out to them.
This Sunday we will be celebrating 182 years anniversary of when the founders of St. Andrew’s arrived on the shores of Petone. This Sunday is also Transfiguration Sunday one of those fantastic biblical events that I often struggle to preach about.
Please keep Rev Dr Susan Jones in your prayers her husband Roger has informed us that Susan suffered a major stroke 7 days ago. She is in Dunedin Hospital and making steady progress she has a great support team behind her. Please no flowers.
The following is a prayer written by the Community of ordinary Saints in Gabrielle’s wake. Fei
A prayer in Gabrielle’s wake
For those who have lost their houses to flooding or collapse,
May you find yourself somewhere safe and warm with loving company to help and hear your story.
For those without power,
May you feel the dedication of all those who work tirelessly to restore your home to light.
For those stranded and far away from loved ones,
May the strength of your relationships bring hope for the moment you can embrace again.
For those that cannot contact loved ones,
May you be anchored by the love of those who wait alongside you.
For those who are mourning a loss,
May you be surrounded by constant love and enduring peace.
For those who have been injured,
May the care you need of body, mind and soul come quickly and easily.
For those who wait in an unfamiliar place – uncertain if you can return home, May the deep care of those around you be your safe place.
For the children who are afraid and confused,
May you find many hugs, a listening ear and moments of joy and laughter.
For those who have lost their means of income,
May the people with the knowledge and skills to assist you arrive easily before you on your path.
For those who have witnessed destruction first-hand,
May your mind and body find peace as you wait for the repair of what is damaged.
For those fatigued following the floods,
May you lean on the strength of loved ones to carry you into another day.
For the emergency workers who continue to work tirelessly, May sleep and rest come easily when the day is done.
For animals lost and injured,
May you find your way to safe and caring hands.
You can read the full E-News here: https://mailchi.mp/9bb4f16385a2/this-weeks-newsletter-from-st-andrews-on-the-terrace-9301651
