New Zealand deserves our prayers and support

Հինգշաբթի, Փետրվար 24, 2011

The scenes of devastation coming out of New Zealand in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake are sobering. Calamity can strike anywhere, and this is a potent reminder that we can be made dependent on one another in an instant. Prosperous or in poverty, as nations and as individuals, we all face times when we depend on our relationships to get through.

The people of New Zealand are among the most generous on the planet. World Vision can testify to the fact that the Kiwis' compassion has enabled that country to compete with the world's richest in caring for others. In Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, sponsors and donors from New Zealand have changed millions of lives for the better.

The government of New Zealand could doubtless deal with the aftermath of Christchurch's disaster, in time and with its own resources, but this is a moment when the world should show reciprocal concern for a generous people in their own time of need.

World Vision partner offices plan to devote NZ$100,000 to the response. We will support the Salvation Army and other partners in Christchurch, under the leadership of the government's emergency managers, ensuring there is no duplication of effort.

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul offers up praise to one he describes as 'the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.'

This is an opportunity for those who have been comforted by Kiwis in the past to reach out a hand to help, or a hand in prayer, so that our brothers and sisters in New Zealand may also experience the comfort of being supported during their own time of troubles.