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Chinese earthquake

Praying with our minds focussed on the people of earthquake stricken Qinghai Province, western China:

On April 14, 2010, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the population in remote Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in north-west China’s Qinghai province. The death toll has now risen to 2,187, more than 12,000 people have been reported injured, and approximately 100,000 people left homeless. (IFRC, 23rd April)

Amity Foundation has been responding from the emergency onset, mobilising funds, staff and volunteers to bring immediate relief assistance to the affected population in the face of sub-zero weather conditions, snow, rain and sand storms, high altitude and difficult transport conditions to remote locations. Amity has transported food rations, quilts, drinking water and sanitary items for women to Yushu, with a 6th batch of relief supplies arriving on April 28th.

The Methodist World Mission Fund has sent an immediate grant of £10,000 to Amity, a long-standing partner of the Methodist Church in Britain.

Please pray:
O God, who creates and nourishes us we feel helpless sorrow as new pictures of desolation flash before our eyes; dusty images of shattered walls and fallen roofs; vacant eyes of shocked survivors. We imagine the haste of those fleeing to the mountains from their housetops and fields; alas for those with children, those who give suck; such tribulation in wintry weather.

We pray that your comforting arms will enfold those who suffer and grieve, that your healing balm will soothe and recover.

We give thanks for the rapid response of authorities, rescuers, volunteers and survivors who save and succour those they can reach.

We remember with sadness the 2008 earthquake in neighbouring Sichuan which killed, maimed and dispossessed so many. We also remember with thankfulness that your people of Mianzhu have rebuilt the demolished church. We rejoice that their faith and works have become more vibrant. May all your people in these regions find the vigour to serve those who suffer, to bring hope and new life.

May we too find the means to respond as we can.

‘Lord Jesus, we give you our hands to do your work. We give you our feet to walk in your way. We give you our tongues to speak your word. We give you our hearts to love you, now and for ever. Amen.’

A prayer by Lancelot Andrewes (1555-1626) from the Methodist Prayer Handbook 2009/2010, Day 21 when we pray with the people of China.