Comfort the Hurting
CHINA. Ten thousand people are already confirmed dead in the devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Sichuan province at 2:28 p.m. on Monday, May 12. As rescue efforts continue, it is anticipated that the death count may rise considerably. The quake was centered in Wenchuan county, less than 100 kilometers from the provincial capital, Chengdu, but was felt as far away as Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as Bangkok, Thailand. Tragically, several schools collapsed, crushing hundreds of students to death. Christian workers close to the scene have asked that we pray for them to have love, compassion, understanding and boldness as they relate to those so affected. Let’s pray, too, that rescue efforts will be swift and thorough so that all who are buried in rubble, waiting for rescue, can be found. Pray for God to comfort those who have suffered great loss, including many Chinese Christians who have lost family. Pray that this tragedy will cause many of the 1 billion lost Chinese people to reflect on the brevity of life on earth, and the need for eternal life. (This is the largest earthquake in China since the Tangshan earthquake of 1976 flattened the city. This month there is a prayer focus on Tangshan.) Go to the following site for further prayer items: http://easia.imb.org/blog/
