Christchurch Earthquake

It has been almost a week since a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook Christchurch, the 3rd largest city in New Zealand (about 350,000 people). I remember first hearing about it on Facebook, and gradually throughout the day the news kept getting worse. Like after September 11, eyes were glued to the TV and internet news sites, and people were attempting to contact those they knew in Christchurch. I heard one guy say there are only two degrees of separation in New Zealand--everyone knows someone who knows someone affected personally by the quake. We heard numerous stories throughout the week from church members: one was across the street from the CTV building that collapsed, one who had just moved there for school and who had walked past the CTV earlier that day, flats destroyed.

Churches around NZ opened their doors for prayer, reflection, and support. The service at Knox included a tribute video, signing of the national anthem, lighting candles, and prayer for those affected. This has really shaken a lot of people, because this kind of quake wasn't "supposed" to happen in Christchurch--it's supposed to happen in Wellington! Not only is there the staggering loss of lives, young and old, but loss of homes and businesses that will never be rebuilt.

At the service yesterday we sang the hymn "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand", which was so applicable to this situation:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Rather than try to describe the scenes, watch this video tribute to the tragedy and heroism of the last week in Christchurch (see most recent post). Be praying!