Baptist Earthquake Updates

The impact of Tuesday’s devastating earthquake continues to unfold. A number of you have been asking for further information for prayer, especially for your services on Sunday. This is the situation as we know it.

Currently the offers of accommodation far exceed the uptake. A number of people have left the city already. Getting in touch with those who need to leave but don’t have the resources to achieve it is the next layer of work to be done. Some of you have offered to gather physical resources. Our advice is to hold off on this until the people on the ground can tell us what is really needed.

Read more: Update from Christchurch – February 28

Washington (BWA)--Baptist World Aid (BWAid), the relief and development arm of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), has granted an initial sum of US$10,000 for earthquake relief in New Zealand.

BWA General Secretary Neville Callam expressed sorrow and solidarity of support to New Zealand Baptists and all those affected by the disaster. "We in the BWA are saddened by the loss of life and property and those who are listed as missing. The BWA calls on all Baptists throughout the world to enter into prayer for the country of New Zealand and to offer assistance where needed."

Read more: The ruins of Oxford Terrace

The earthquake which struck Christchurch on 22 February has irrevocably changed lives. So many people have perished or are yet to be found that almost everyone in Christchurch will have connections to someone who is mourned or missing. There is also a large number of injured people. The emotional impact is huge. 

Our churches and people are not immune from the multiple impacts of a disaster of this scale, but we want to let you know some of what is going on to help them. 

Our senior leaders are going to Christchurch next week to support our church leaders and to discuss the best strategies for mobilising help in the most effective way. 

Churches are working hard at caring for for their own, but are now also mobilising across the city to help one another. (See our Facebook page for updates and feel free to add your own comments, as appropriate.)

We are opening an appeal to assist those most affected from our churches and their local arenas of ministry and care. Gifts can be sent to us at The Baptist National Centre clearly marked in various ways:

Read more: Christchurch reels again