Earthquake in Indonesia: please pray

[chetm]

Our global team member in Indonesia just wrote to us:

I just want to inform you that there was just an earthquake (7.9) happened in Sumatra and it breaks houses, bridges, and causing fires. Singapore also felt the shake because of it. Please support us in your prayers and acknowledging that God is in control.

Thank you!

Verita

[chetm]

As Verita's email came in on my blackberry this morning, I was reading this line from the Bible Lesson:

"There is but one primal cause. Therefore there can be no effect from any other cause, and there can be no reality which does not proceed from this great and only cause" (Science and Health, 207:20-23). Perhaps this is what Elijah glimpsed on the mountaintop when the earthquake, wind, and fire passed by and he learned that God - the ONE foundational cause - was not IN any of them.

I just read some reports that India, Thailand, and Malaysia have been alerted to a possible tsunami as the result of this quake. But if there is truly ONE cause at work, there need be NO related effect from this quake. What Elijah felt and heard after the quake was "a still, small voice." Mrs. Eddy writes of "eternal stillness and immovable Love" (Retrospection, p. 89). This is what the people of Indonesia can experience right now.

[A.m.y]

Praying about things like tsunamis, earthquakes, and other things that bring up images of massive destruction can seem so overwhelming. To be honest, I felt anxious when I first read Verita's message because I hate to think of people suffering. But then I remembered that all that needs to change is thought, and that's doable. I don't have to stop a tsunami, I just have to be clear about how God is in control. Nothing can withstand God's power.

Destruction isn't inevitable. In fact, God's law of all sufficiency is in operation right now and we can see proof of Love's supportive care--right now. One of my favorite Mary Baker Eddy quotes is "Divine Love always has and always will meet every human need." Let's see that in action now!

[Susieee]

Just before hearing this, I was thinking about I Peter 5:6,7, which talks about the mighty and of God and ends with "casting all your care upon (God); for he careth for you."

As I thought about casting all my care upon--serving and observing--God, Soul, I knew that the presence of Soul could quiet all mental, emotional, or physical "eruptions" or conflict, and bring needed peace and harmony. What a wonderful thing to be aware of, support, and be supported by!!

In Sumatra and everywhere, the mighty hand of Principle is maintaining all stability, Mind is guiding all solutions... etc. We can all see and feel our Father-Mother, right there and everywhere, caring for everyone and everything. That care includes maintaining the bridges of love that connect all of us, the sense of home in God that shelters the smallest and greatest creatures, etc.

All love, Susie

[Inge]

I've been praying with "Thus truth engrounds me on the rock, upon Life's shore, gainst which the winds and waves can shock, oh nevermore" Knowing that not only are the individuals in the SE Pacific grounded on that Rock of Truth that can't be shattered, broken, or otherwise shaken in anyway, but that those of us around the world also can't be shocked out of our dominion by the images we face in the media. Instead, we are all united on that one Rock--the Christ, Truth, firmly grounded, safe, and calm.


Individually, we can each feel the strength and dominion and authority of the Christ, Love touching our hearts and calming fears, as well as meeting the human needs of the area and all those watching and praying around the world.

[ccubed]

We've also been alerted to this earthquake in Indonesia and the tsunami in Samoa. I am including the Indonesian community in my prayers as we continue to stay on "weather watch" for the predicted "supertyphoons" coming in the Pacific. The only "super-presence" that's always here is God's and we can trust that His allness embraces everyone. This allness includes a shelter from the rains and other "natural" disasters, provision for rescue, supply, and peace.

Two hymns came to mind today and the past few days in praying for the Philippines, and now the rest of Southeast Asia:

Every prayer to Him is answered,
Prayer confiding in His will;
Blessedness and joy are near thee,
Hear His gentle Peace, be still.
Hear His voice above the tempest:
I have not forsaken thee;
In My hand thy name is graven,
I will save both thine and thee.
- Christian Science Hymnal, 76

Though storm or discord cross my path
Thy power is still my stay,
Though human will and woe would check
My upward-soaring way;
All unafraid I wait, the while
Thy angels bring release,
For still Thy presence is with me,
And Thou dost give me peace.
- Christian Science Hymnal, 136

I hope this helps. We're praying with you, Verita! Lots of love to you all in Indonesia and Samoan readers, if any.

- Camille

[ccubed]

I just want to share some clips from a text message (translated in English) sent to us by one of our church members after not hearing from her for 4 days since the flood happened and took over all of her possessions:

"God is in control... All things were floating... There is no need to feel bad or sorry, wonderful things will take place. Nothing is lost. Allness is the measure and that's where I'll start. I just closed my eyes to the floating things and know that nothing is lost and God will provide. I'm not sorry for what happened but grateful for Life, Truth, and Love. Gratefulness is riches and I witnessed how God loves and protects and provides."

As a result of her prayers, one friend of hers brought her a change of clothes during her need for some. God really IS a present help in trouble.

[JennyL]

Originally Posted by ccubed

I just want to share some clips from a text message (translated in English) sent to us by one of our church members after not hearing from her for 4 days since the flood happened and took over all of her possessions:

"God is in control... All things were floating... There is no need to feel bad or sorry, wonderful things will take place. Nothing is lost. Allness is the measure and that's where I'll start. I just closed my eyes to the floating things and know that nothing is lost and God will provide. I'm not sorry for what happened but grateful for Life, Truth, and Love. Gratefulness is riches and I witnessed how God loves and protects and provides."

As a result of her prayers, one friend of hers brought her a change of clothes during her need for some. God really IS a present help in trouble.

Thanks so much for sharing this. A sentence that stood out to me from the Bible Lesson this morning is
"Evil is not supreme; good is not helpless; nor are the so-called laws of matter primary, and the law of Spirit secondary." (S&H 207:10-13

[A.m.y]

Originally Posted by ccubed

I just want to share some clips from a text message (translated in English) sent to us by one of our church members after not hearing from her for 4 days since the flood happened and took over all of her possessions:

"God is in control... All things were floating... There is no need to feel bad or sorry, wonderful things will take place. Nothing is lost. Allness is the measure and that's where I'll start. I just closed my eyes to the floating things and know that nothing is lost and God will provide. I'm not sorry for what happened but grateful for Life, Truth, and Love. Gratefulness is riches and I witnessed how God loves and protects and provides."

As a result of her prayers, one friend of hers brought her a change of clothes during her need for some. God really IS a present help in trouble.

This is a wonderful report. I know that your friend's trust in God and His good is going to result in tangible blessings for her and everyone she touches. That's one thing that I've been thinking about, how no matter what, the church members we have in these areas are big blessings to their communities. They know how to think correctly and that heals. And how *we* think about those in Indonesia and the Philippines makes a difference!

[Morning Sun]

Not one of God's children is buried in mortality. Every single one is submerged only in divine Spirit. Every voice is heard both divinely and humanly, rescued from the dream/nightmare of the material senses.