Be Prepared For More Seismic Disasters

NECF Malaysia "For Your Intercession" No. 26 – April 12, 2005 www.necf.org.my

A massive earthquake with an 8.7-magnitude struck the west coast of Sumatra on 29 March. Nias Island, where 95% of the residents are Christians, bore the brunt of the quake. According to an Indonesian disaster relief agency, 330 people were found dead on the island as of March 30 and the death toll was expected to rise. An entire town on the southwestern coast of Aceh province was leveled. Malaysia was not unaffected, tremors were felt in Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Malacca and Negri Sembilan. Thousands rushed out of their high-rise homes for fear of their safety.

The huge undersea earthquake was reported as a result of an increased geological stress caused by the mega-quake which created a devastating tsunami that killed more than 273,000 people on Dec 26 2004 (Star, Mar 30 2005). This time, however, many knew what to do, the authorities acted promptly. Warnings were issued, alerts were sounded and residents ran for their lives.

The end has yet to come. Seismologists said that a third BIG earthquake was to be expected sooner or later in the region, however they could not predict the time. It could rupture in the next three months, 20 or 50 years (Star, Mar 30 2005).

According to the US Geological Survey, thousands of earthquakes take place each year, but only five of them produce tsunamis. The world’s most powerful quake, took place off the coast of Chile in 1960, created tsunamis which traveled 10,000 miles, all the way to Japan, while the world’s most deadly earthquake happened in China in 1556 and took 830, 000 (est.) lives.

We praise God that Christians in Malaysia are responding to the crises and the needs of the people afflicted. Let us also be earnest and disciplined in our prayers. Prayer is one of Christians’ most powerful weapons to be reckoned with.

1. Thanksgiving to God for the miraculous escapes and survival of those who are in the afflicted areas.
2. Those who are injured and in critical condition: God will be their refuge and strength.
3. That peace and comfort of God be upon those who have lost loved ones and homes.
4. That Christians in Nias Island be renewed in faith in Christ and be strengthened in His might.
5. For Christian relief organizations and missionaries responding to the crisis, that Jesus' love and compassion will be demonstrated. God’s hand and wisdom for the volunteers and relief workers.
6. Pray for effective, well-coordinated efforts by governments and international relief agencies.
7. For SEA churches of all denominations to be united and strengthened as one, and continue to cry out for God’s mercy that His love and power be manifested.