The quake

So you may have heard that this morning (27th February) there was an earthquake here in Chile. The epicenter was about 200 miles away close to the city concepcion. It measured 8.8 on the rictor scale.

I woke up from my room mate Jona saying my name and speaking about the fact that we had to get up, my first reaction was just confusion, but then once my slow brain got into gear and I realised the house was shaking I could see what she was talking about! All of us girls stood in our doorways next to eachother for the duration of the shaking. I would love to say that I was all brave and collected, but once it didn't stop after around 30 seconds, I grabbed Jona, shut my eyes and just prayed with all my might untill it was over. It is such a surreal feeling when the house is moving so much. The noises were the most unnerving part, glass was smashing downstairs, pans were falling off the shelves, and the house was groaning alot as it moved. But other than having to clear up the mess, and not getting much sleep between aftershocks, helecopters going past and sirens all night, we are were all fine. God really protected us, and it was clear that he was there with us, even though it was scary!

It really stuck me how confusing it was for the house to be moving. We are so confident in the things we build, and that they are good, and sturdy, but then the earth moves, and the house feels about as strong as paper in the wind.

I would love it if you could join us in prayer.

There are still some people we know here who we have not been able to contact. Please pray that they are all well, and that they will be able to find some communication soon.

As the death toll rises I can't help but think about all the people whos lives will be completly changed from something that only lasted a few seconds, please pray for them and for the rebuilding of their lives which will continue for a long time after the story is no longer in the headlines.

Pray for two of our friends Roel and Natty, who were heading towards the south in a bus, and who are stuck somewhere as it is not safe for the bus to pass on some of the bridges, and they are without water, Pray that God will have his hand upon them, and will protect them.

Pray for the Tsunami that is due to hit Hawaii and New Zealand. Pray that the countries will be well prepared, and pray with faith that God might calm the seas, and more disaster will be prevented!

Pray for the groups of workers who have already left to help with relief work, pray that they will be effective and pray for Christians to act in this time. Pray that God opens doors for us to reach out to people effected by this devistation.

Pray for the aftershocks, which even as I write this are stil occuring. At the epicenter, the aftershocks are stil at about 5-6, which can cause more destruction to already weakened buildings.

Pray that in amongst this event God's name will be lifted up, and that people will turn to him and not away from him.

Many prayer points, but we really need your support here in Chile.
God bless you all,
Emma xx