CHRISTCHURCH (NEW ZEALAND) EARTHQUAKE 22 February 2011
You may have heard that Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city, was struck by another earthquake at 12:51 pm today during the lunch hour. Officially an aftershock to the 7.1 magnitude September 4 2010 quake this one struck in Lyttleton Harbour 10 km south of central Christchurch at a depth of 5 km. At this time 65 people are confirmed dead, with approximately 100 still trapped in collapsed buildings. Power, water, sewerage, telecommunications and transport have all been severely affected.
Power is expected to be restored to much of the city overnight. We praise God that the news we have had from those we know in Christchurch has so far been positive in that there have been no reports of fatalities however the emotional toll is huge on those who have endured over 4,800 aftershocks since September 4.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand has no churches in Christchurch but plans for a church plant in 2012 will continue. National Superintendent Rev Dr Richard Waugh (who was born in Christchurch) comments, “The city has been hit very hard and our Prime Minister, John Key, has suggested this might be one of New Zealand’s darkest days. Many of our Wesleyan family have relatives in Christchurch. The daughter of Rev Ruth Boswell had a fortunate escape with her husband as they lived close to the epi-centre. My brother-in-law was in the central city and is helping with recovery work. The prayers of Wesleyans around the globe are greatly appreciated.”
Please pray for the people of Christchurch That there will be no more deaths
That those who are trapped will be rescued alive That those who work to rescue and help others will be safe That those who are unable to get back to their homes will be That the people of God will be able bring the love and peace of God to a community in shock And pray for those Pastors and Church Leaders who even now are working to help those in their
community.
