The Numbers

When times like these arrive, no matter where we are, we need to know how to respond. This year has proved to be world changing already. The revolutions in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia rising up and with the natural disasters in New Zealand and in Japan have made their mark on history and we're only in the middle of it. On Friday a tsunami struck Japan with devastating force and I've felt a need to write about it. If you have not heard or want to know more please go check out some media, they're more than willing to help.

These days we hear a lot about a lot of big numbers and we grow numb to the volume of devastation. According to the internet the death toll in Japan is 2,734 people and at least 3,743 more are missing. In addition to this, there are high fears of nuclear dangers that will have lasting affects on the nation. I don't know what more to say really, I feel like all this speaks for its self. It's awful, absolutely awful. Thousands of homes have been washed away, neighborhoods just gone. Here's something I want you to see though: some before and after satellite shots.

How do we respond to this? What do we who have no connection do? Honestly, prayer is powerful. As strange as it feels to us at times, God loves to see people praying in faith. I want to encourage you to pray for the people in Japan, the ones missing and the people who are mourning, the people who are left to take care of families and the people searching.
If you feel like it or feel called, Samaritan's Purse is a ministry who was quickly at work in relief of the disaster. Friday they are sending a load of aid to help and a donation of any size would be very helpful.

In the wake of these disasters and wars I can't help from feeling great hope and assurance of something. While He was on earth Jesus spoke of when He would come back and this is what He said:

           "...nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places

          there will be famines and earthquakes..." (Matt 24:7)

I suggest you read that whole chapter.

So please keep all these things in your prays, these are desperate times.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Michael