Prayer – China earthquake

On 12 May an earthquake of magnitude 7.9 hit China, the greatest damage occurring in the rough terrain of the south western province of Sichuan.

Another seven provinces were affected and tremors were felt as far away as the capital, Beijing (1,500 km away).

A number of heavily populated areas have been badly hit. In the town of Beichuan, 80 per cent of buildings are reported to have collapsed, including several schools, burying children and teachers under piles of rubble. People are trapped in piles of concrete, steel and dirt. Roads and other communication links have been severely disrupted.

A pregnant woman saved from a ruined building is kissed by her husband Credit: Jane Lui

It is feared up to 50,000 people may have died. Officials say about ten million people have been affected by the quake. Many have lost loved ones. Thousands of parents have to face not solely the loss of a child but the loss of their only child, because of China’s one child policy.

Prayer points:

For all those waiting for news of a loved one, particularly parents waiting at the ruins of schools, waiting for news of their child. Pray that help will come quickly to those who are buried and still alive.
For the rescue workers, including the Army, for strength, stamina, perseverance and the ability to cope emotionally with all the tragic sights they are seeing.
That the heavy rains will cease, that there will be no further after-shocks and ensuing landslides and that conditions will improve to help the rescue efforts.
For the staff at BMS’ partner, the Amity Foundation, as they assess needs and seek to respond in the best way possible.
For Christians in the area as they minister to the community in this time of tragedy.

Some survivors have stayed amongst the rubble waiting for news of loved ones while others have tried to seek protection in a neighbouring town. Many are in makeshift refugee camps, without proper shelter, food or clean water.

Meanwhile, heavy rains are complicating rescue efforts and further after-shocks continued to strike the area.

BMS has made a grant of £10,000 through our partner, the Amity Foundation, to help the relief efforts in Sichuan. The Amity Foundation has a significant presence in China and BMS has linked with it in the past for team and volunteer placements.

Within a few hours of the earthquake, Amity’s disaster relief division immediately had set up an emergency relief office in Sichuan and staff have been purchasing food, water, tents and tarpaulins for affected areas. They are also developing plans for longer term rehabilitation and restoration work.

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BMS prayer points