Faith in Times of Disaster
The earthquake and tsunami are abrupt reminders that Creation, with its beauty and wonder; also is unpredictable and sometimes brings calamity and catastrophe. At a time such as this words of faith from our hymnody give us food for thought:
God of the earthquake, God of the storm, God of the trumpet blast,
How does the creature say, “Woe?” How does the creature say, “Save?”
God of the ages, God near at hand, God of the loving heart,
How do your children say, “Joy?” How do you children say, “Home?”
(Jaroslav J. Vajda)
The images of the disaster in Japan quickly found their way into our homes through the miracle of technology. These images caused concern for those immediately affected. As time goes on, the world is now becoming more aware of the breadth of the destruction. Reports are just beginning to count the cost in human life, property damage and destruction and loss.
Likewise, we are now (as I write this) awaiting word about property in our own Annual Conference along the Oregon coast. Properties such as our churches on the coast and our beloved Camp Magruder are still in danger zones. We have indications that the tsunami on the Oregon coast will not be devastating, but we are still concerned. Our own Annual Conference Disaster Relief Committee is standing ready to respond to any emergency needs on the Oregon coast.
I am mindful of colleagues and friends in Japan who are living in the aftermath of the destruction, amid loss and suffering. Gratefully, our United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is already responding. If you would like to contribute to the UMCOR response to the earthquake, you may do so by writing a check to your local church and indicating it is for “Pacific Emergency.” Gifts may also be given online at the UMCOR Website.
Join me in prayer as we ask for God’s mercy and care in a time of devastation, loss and woe. Turn to God for comfort and reassurance in all difficult times, through Jesus Christ. Remember that God is our refuge, our eternal home! From Eugene Peterson’s Message comes a statement of our faith that God is “ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains.” (Psalm 46: 1 – 3)
What are YOUR prayers in this moment of faith? Please leave a prayer for the people of Japan, or for others that are in need of God’s grace this day!
By: Bob Hoshibata On 3/11/2011
Topics:
Faithfulness
Comments
1. Robin Yim wrote on 3/11/2011 4:25:52 PM
May prayer is for those who must stand with others and work to seek and save the lost in the midst of scenes of total devastation, that they may not lose heart. My prayers, too, for those mourn.
2. Mary Foote wrote on 3/11/2011 7:40:18 PM
I pray each life touched by this disaster will feel the Lord's presence with each step.
3. Dean Yamamoto wrote on 3/12/2011 1:05:33 PM
3.12.11 Thank you, Bishop for your prayers & encouragement. My wife Yumiko has family in the most heavily affected area in Northern Japan; spotty email communications, all seem alright. Our beloved Methodist community does have a related institution Aoyama Gakuin college in Tokyo for which we want to specifically include in our prayers.
4. Dorothy (Ichinaga) Thomas wrote on 3/12/2011 9:13:34 PM
Being separated several generations
away from Japan and its inhabitants
does not keep my family from sending prayers to those, though unseen and unknown, who are devastated by nature's destruction.
God be your source of determination to survive and to care for those others who suffer.
5. Janet Farrell wrote on 3/13/2011 4:14:49 PM
The Madras community is currently hosting a group of students from Tomi City, Japan, our sister city. It is in the mountains so not directly affected by the earthquake. One of the chaperons was in church today and was so grateful for our prayers, well wishes, and offers of support, not only for Japan but also for the group visiting our town.
6. Bob Hoshibata wrote on 3/14/2011 12:10:39 AM
Thank you all for adding your thoughts. I am praying YOUR prayers as I begin to wind down tonight and focus on God. May God be with those who mourn this day; and for those who have witnessed devastation. I pray for God's guidance for all those who make decisions and choices that affect those in need of care; and for generosity for all of us who have the resources to share in humanitarian aid.
7. Dorothy Dickson-Rishel wrote on 3/14/2011 7:09:09 PM
The people of Mississippi know the power of the earth and sea from Katrina, but we also know the greater power of Christ's love. We are in prayer for God's children in Japan. May they know God's hope and strength.