Dear Friends
Even as I write this, Christchurch emergency workers are doing their utmost to rescue people trapped in fallen buildings and crushed cars.
Overnight we have received letters and notes from churches and individuals from around the world representing an outpouring of prayer and concern for the people of Christchurch.
A question we are being asked by many is 'what can we do?'
Upholding the rescue workers and medical staff in prayer is the most important thing we can do right now. By all accounts, they are working tirelessly and doing an extraordinarily good job.
I am also hearing stories of ministers and church members visiting neighbours and parishioners whose loved ones have not returned from work. We need to uphold them in their anxiety, fear and grief.
As far as ministers and church members are concerned, we have not received any reports of serious injury or death. However some homes, including manses, have been badly damaged.
In terms of our own church buildings, we have reports that Knox, St Giles and St George's Iona have been badly damaged. St Paul's Trinity Pacific has received further and severe damage - but thankfully the workers repairing previous damage were all outside the building having lunch at the time of the most severe earthquake and so avoided the collapse of masonry which would have almost certainly caused injury or death.
I have received several offers from ministers and pastoral workers willing to travel to Christchurch to provide chaplaincy and support. We have offers of accommodation outside Christchurch for any individuals or families who need some time away. The folk at Calvin in Gore have offered to send a bus to bring people back to Gore to enjoy some Southern hospitality.
We will wait advice from Christchurch, but will coordinate all such offers through the Assembly office and provide details to the Christchurch Presbytery. Please email me.
Emergency financial support is probably best given through one of the numerous appeals.
Our Moderator, Peter calls us to come together in prayer and support for the people of Christchurch.