Baptist Earthquake Updates

Dear Friends, 

We all know only too well the pain and loss in our region, and the situation we now have to live in and work our way through.

I am glad to be able to tell you that some important things have happened over this week. What will prove to be a very strategic decision has come out of a meeting of pastors, leaders and almost all our National Leaders on February 28. We have appointed a Regional Earthquake Response Co-ordinator. His name is William Drury-Turnbull; he and Suzanne are part of the St Albans Church and Suzanne is the supervisor at one of our Kaiapoi Baptists childcare centres. William brings the perfect mix of experience, skills and passion to this role. 

Read more: Earthquake response coordinator appointed

Christchurch Earthquake Response

The past week has seen us at NZCCSS Secretariat working to contribute to a coordinated and long term response to the social services needs for Christchurch – both the immediate needs for help but also into the coming weeks and months. Executive Office Trevor McGlinchey visited Christchurch on March 3 along with other NGO and Ministry of Social Development officials to meet with Christchurch NGOs. The Ministry of Social Development is also surveying social service organisations affected by the earthquake to assist the recovery effort. 

Read more: New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services – message to members March 7, 2011

Ed Karlsen, senior pastor of Papanui Baptist Church, has written this perspective:

Kia ora from Christchurch.

I have been pastoring churches for the past 18 years, but nothing has come near to the scale of what we are experiencing in Christchurch. We are in the northern end, with very little damage in comparison with the east and south east.

Some of the things we are facing:

• People have lost homes and many with damaged homes. Some are still waiting to be inspected from the last quake - in spite of what media says, many are still waiting and will be waiting. This is a long process, without blaming our city or government leaders. We are all learning as we are trying to make progress.

Read more: An inside story from Ed Karlsen

On February 28, a team of six ministry heads joined leaders of the churches in Christchurch to hear the story on the ground and strategise a way forward. We found many mobilising well and working very hard to respond to the needs around them. At the same time, a weariness is already setting in as the stress, lack of sleep and drain on resources increases. Even coping with offers of help can create strain.

Read more: Christchurch earthquake – March 1 update