An Appeal from the Diocese of Christchurch

22 Dec 2011

I feel a bit guilty or maybe even greedy asking for prayer yet again, so I ask you to bear with me as I explain our need.

About 2.00 pm on 23 December when the shoppers were busy stocking their fridges for the Christmas dinner, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake ripped through Christchurch. Eighty minutes later a magnitude 6 earthquake followed. Malls were evacuated, and tonight as I drove through the city, especially the suburbs, there was hardly a car or pedestrian in sight. It is as though people are hiding out, frightened to be caught again in a crowd when the whole world begins to tilt and roll.

So I ask your prayers for the people of greater Christchurch. I ask your prayers for courage and good humour and incredible resilience. I fear the rise of anger that is in evidence most everywhere. It is hard to get angry at an earthquake so the tendency is to turn on others. That isn't a good combination with Christmas which sadly many experience as stressful already.

Oh, and one more thing. We will be worshipping for the most part outdoors this Christmas, "where sheep may safely graze". The late-night services will be a bring your own torch event because candles and earthquakes are a dangerous mix. Would you pray in your mercy for those who are frightened, that they will dare to venture out and that the Christmas services are havens of praise and wonder at the birth of the new-born King. And may we all get home again safely as well.

We pray for you who have been at our side every step of the way.

Thank you and God bless you this Christmas.

Bishop Victoria Matthews
Diocese of Christchurch