Baptist Earthquake Updates

In the wake of the February 22 earthquake a number of us have been exploring ways that we can bless and affirm our own Baptist family and the people of Christchurch. We started exploring the possibility of moving this year's Gathering from Hamilton to Christchurch. We’re aware that conferences are looking to move out of Christchurch, as we’ve been approached about giving up our booking on our Hamilton venue so that an ex-Christchurch conference can take place. We want to make the opposite statement of affirmation and say, "we are coming to Christchurch."

Read more: The Gathering comes to Christchurch

“The car broke down…it turned out to be clogged with liquefaction dust from 4-wheel driving down broken streets to deliver food.” So said Simon Williams, youth pastor at Parklands church. I had visited Parklands to see where the recovery phase had gotten to. The number of people coming to the Recovery Assistance Centre site for advice and support has dropped off to approximately 20 per day now. Senior pastor Chris Poniah said, “Now is the time to get strategic concerning the ‘rebuild’ phase; we need to regain the middle ground as a ‘new normal’ emerges.”  He was referring to the place of the church in its community.

Read more: Christchurch earthquake – March 30 update

There is now a clear shift from emergency to recovery. The long haul is beginning to be addressed. Many partnerships have formed - across the city of Christchurch, within communities and around the country. Avonhead Church has the Engineering Dept of Canterbury University using their premises for at least the first semester; Oxford Terrace church is currently using St Albans for services on Sunday afternoons.

Many of our churches from outside Christchurch are responding well, including one from Adelaide, Australia. Each year they have a special Good Friday service offering, and this year it is going to Christchurch.

Read more: Christchurch earthquake – March 24 update

Coordinator in place

Our "on the ground" Christchurch Earthquake Response Coordinator is now in place. William Drury-Turnbull, from St Albans Baptist, comes with significant experience in handling these matters.

His role is as a co-ordinator, link person and encourager, working with the local regional team, local church coordinators and our wider Baptist movement. He will build links with the appropriate Government agencies, Council agencies, NGOs and Faith based organizations.

Read more: Earthquake update March 11, 2011