The other day when a Pacific Island friend heard about the earthquake and tsunami, he said "It's good to pray but we must do something practical." I do understand what he meant, he has family in the islands and he was feeling shocked and helpless. And of course we must always give all the practical help we can. But in his shock and pain, he said it as if our praying has little effect. Can I encourage you to please pray?
Through our prayers, God will do much bigger things than we could ever do (see Ephesians 3:20). In Psalm 91:15 He promises . . . "When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble . . ."
People have been asking how to . . .
pray for the Islands after the tsunami
Here is some information to help us pray. Samoa -
- Pray for aid to arrive quickly and to be relevant for the islander's needs.
- Pray for safe drinking water and sewage disposal to prevent disease.
- Pray for food in the months to come. Village people live subsistence lifestyles relying on small family plantations. The crops on many plantations will be destroyed and it will be a long time (sometimes years) before crops can be grown again after salt water has soured the land.
- No family is untouched. People have lost many relatives and friends. Once over the initial shock, anger can cause grieving people to blame themselves or others. Many people have the superstitious idea that disasters are God's judgment on somebody's bad behaviour.
American Samoa -
- This is a US territory and a lot of US aid is already on the ground and meeting needs. This country has the economic might of the US behind it's reconstruction. We are in contact with their local Christian station which is doing a very good job of helping and comforting their listeners.
Tonga -
- All deaths in Tonga were on one very small island close to Samoa. Most of the homes were destroyed and most people have been evacuated by sea.
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Prayer for Christian radio
is also an effective way to help the Islands
Radio is a particularly powerful in the Island communities. Pacific people are big radio listeners, and God has established Christian radio to be effective in a time like this. As well as Pacific Partners radio, there is a Christian station in American Samoa and a couple of churches have radio stations in Samoa.
People are clinging to their radios as the only means of getting information -
- Vital public service notices
- Warnings of more earthquakes and tsunami waves
- Comfort, peace and hope through Jesus Christ
Praise God for Christian radio in the Islands
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble" (Psalm 46:1)
Let us ask the One
Who knows and loves the people of the Islands best to help them in their times of trouble May God bless you!
Graham A Carter
President of UCB Pacific Partners
Donate to help bring Christ's comfort and salvation to the people of the South Pacific Islands
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