Our heartfelt prayers go out to those in distress caused by the Australia floods. Just last month, the Canadian wildfire is in the news, but right now, the Australian predicament is making the headlines. As the river rises in the Tasmanian region, thousands have been told to leave their homes to avoid the impending disaster. This is identical to what happened in Canada where people were also implored to evacuate to somewhere safe. CNN reporter, Georgia McCafferty wrote, "Three people have died, and one is missing after a huge storm caused widespread flooding and devastation across Australia's east coast over the weekend. Thousands of people had to be evacuated across the region after the massive storm hit large areas of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory on Saturday and Sunday, uprooting trees and leaving thousands more without power." This has collapsed businesses in the area, and damages are estimated to be in millions. News about natural disasters are becoming prevalent lately, and people destabilized by such insurgence of nature are often thrown into a state of hopelessness, despair and rendered homeless. It shouldn't be surprising that despite our 21st-century technology and nearly accurate prediction of the weather, we're still at the mercies of natural disasters. As Ecclesians, what are we to do in the wake of a natural disaster, either as a victim or a spectator?
First, you need to help people with your prayers that God should give them, hope, console them and keep them safe. It's not easy watching what you've built in years been swept away by flood or consumed by fire in few minutes. Such a pain takes time and being in distress is not a situation one ought to pray to be in or experience. That's why prayers by the saints for such people should be encouraged, not just for Ecclesians but for all who are affected. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous will definitely save those who are in distress.
Second, don't let just sit there and do prayers alone. As our beloved brother, Apostle James said, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”- Action to help those who are in dire situations is needed. Let's join volunteer groups with the support of the Government to send relieve materials, or experts if you are allowed, to save people trapped in one way or the other. Share necessary things with one another in love, and give each other hope.
If you happen to be a victim, listen to warnings of evacuation and save the life of yourself and family. Grab one or two things needed (not wanted) and flee from the impending disaster. Let's behave accordingly, in a manner worthy of the people of the Way. Encourage one another in hope, knowing the Lord know of your troubles, and in due time shall put an end to it. May the Lord keep us safe from every harbinger of the end times. Stay safe and be strong in good deeds.
Heavenly Father, we pray for those in Australia, Canada,
and every region in Africa and the world, experiencing
one natural disaster or the other...we pray you keep them
safe, help them and give them hope. Save them from the
terrors of the wind and the earth, and everything of nature.
For your word said that everyone one who calls on your Name
and come to you shall be saved and you shall by no means cast
away. Be their shield and at the end, let's all have the boldness to
glorify Your Holy Name. Amen.
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