The Sichuan, China killer earthquake has shaken China to its roots and at the same time revealed some amazing characteristics of this emerging nation. The latest report of casualties has risen to close to 80,000 with thousands of children buried in the rubble of their schools. The State Council reports that as many as another 23,000 are still missing and unaccounted for. The report also states that more than 360,650 people have been injured straining every medical facility to the limit under most adverse circumstances. In addition it is reported that 15 million homes have been destroyed. The magnitude of this catastrophe is unimaginable, but hopefully, every praying person will call upon the Lord for mercy for this nation in this hour of need.

CASUALTIES MOUNT FOR GRIEVING NATION

Sadly, more than 4,000 children have been orphaned by the quake, and that number cannot be established until all parents have been accounted for. This tragedy is mounting day by day, and in the light of China’s one child per couple policy, the depth of sorrow and pain is unimaginable. How this much maligned policy of the Chinese government will be handled for couples who lost their only child is still uncertain but is sure to create terrible anguish in the months ahead.

HOW IS THE NATION RESPONDING?

Already thousands of Chinese have called government offices and listed their pleas to adopt these orphaned children. Children and family have always been central in Chinese culture. It is gratifying to know that these orphaned children are wanted by Chinese in China. The government says that nothing can be done until all the missing have been accounted for and the situation brought under control. In the meantime, the children will be cared for by the State.

According to the China Daily on May 15th, the China Life Charity Fund will cover all expenses for orphaned children until they are 18. They expect to pay out 134 million Yuan (19 million dollars). The hearts of the Chinese are opening as never before with sacrificial gifts from all across the nation.

THE CHURCH RISES TO THE OCCASION

One of the thrilling reports states that Christians are responding with unprecedented love and sacrifice to the tragic needs resulting from the quake. Pastors have descended upon the devastated area and are tirelessly ministering to the many victims. A first hand report from a westerner in the country states that thousands of people have been led to Christ in the midst of the chaos and suffering. Great numbers of believers are doing all they can to be salt and light at this time when so little help is available.

RELIEF IS ON ITS WAY FROM THE USA

Joining hands together, Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association have chartered a plane load of medical supplies, tarp enough for the damaged roofs of 5,000 families, and six water purification systems and other necessities of life. Another six water purification system from Water Missions International were airlifted by FedEx at no cost to WMI and transported to Chengdu for the ravaged areas. These 12 water systems are already operational with each unit capable of producing 10,000 gallons of pure water daily. meeting the needs of some 60,000 people. WMI is a non-profit Christian engineering organization based in Charleston, SC. Their mission is to provide pure water in stricken areas in order for people to survive, but more than that, so that they might receive the message of the Living Water available in Christ.

ALLIANCE RADIO IN HONG KONG GETS INVOLVED

Pray individually and at your church’s prayer meeting for the following needs.

1. For the Christians of China as they reach out in love. Pray that the love of Jesus will shine forth in their acts of mercy and compassion.

2. Pray for the pastors who have traveled to the area to give counsel to the victims.

3. Pray that the Chinese government and Communist leadership will see and understand the compassion of churches and people around the world as they respond to the urgent needs of the people.

4. Pray that blessing will come out of this tragedy as many thousands trust in Jesus in this hour of tragedy and loss.

5. Pray for the safety and health of volunteers, both Chinese and foreigners. 200 volunteers were killed in a land slide as they attempted to assist.

6. Pray that the funds needed to reconstruct church buildings will be provided in the coming months. Pray that the Western Church will be responsive to the needs and very generous to help their suffering brothers and sisters. Cama Services, the relief arm of the C&MA is already on the job and will be helping with all kinds of needs, including the restoration of church buildings.

7. Pray that every one of the 10,000 radios will reach the victims soon and be used of God to bring hope and comfort out of their deep sorrow.

8. Pray that many Christians in America will respond to the call for helpers to distribute aid and relief. Many groups need assistance here in the USA, Canada,. and Europe as they raise funds for provisions and get them ready for shipping.

9. Pray that the Lord will rebuke those who seek to profit by claiming to raise funds for the needy and then pocket the money for their own profit. Be careful to donate to reputable organizations you know will use the funds wisely.

10. Pray for new recruits for Christian ministry from among the Chinese Church, and for seminary and Bible School training to continue without harassment from officials.

AN AMAZING WORK OF GOD

Ambassadors for Christ, Inc in their latest publication reported unprecedented results from the 2007 Chinese Mission Convention. Four hotels were required to house the 2,500 participants and included 84 pastors, 218 teens and 215 children. Delegates came from 34 states and 8 countries. A very encouraging fact was that 76% of the participants were first time attendees and 67% attended especially to explore mission opportunities. Pray for those who made decisions for service that God will open up doors of ministry and China will be blessed.

THE EARTHQUAKE IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM

China Aid Association reports through Bob Fu that two independent sources report that the Ministry of Public Security has received funding from the Chinese Central Government to increase their campaign of eradicating House Churches throughout China. This probably is the reason that house church leaders are being arrested more frequently and services disrupted as police enter services to confiscate religious literature and possessions. These arrests seem to be on the rise, and more and more people are being detained for questioning and many given stiff prison sentences. On May 25, the Beijing Gospel Church of more than 1,000 members was raided by the PSB and the pastor interrogated for hours. A house church seminary in Weifang City, Shandong Province was raided by 30 PSB officers and the 48 students ordered to return to their homes. Staff and Faculty members were detained and Bibles, computers, printers and a van were confiscated. Authorities accused them of being associated with the outlawed Falun Gong organization and stated that they were disrupting society, a growing accusation for house church members.

PRAYER IS STILL THE ANSWER

Letters to the Chinese Embassy have great impact and we should continue to send our protests to them, but prayer is by far the most potent force we can apply to the conditions in China. Much of this activity is associated with the forthcoming Olympic Games as China is attempting to isolate all protest groups from forming. Foreign visitors are being warned that protest meetings will not be tolerated during the games, but look for strong protests from Tibetan refugees and other political factions. Pray earnestly for the church to use wisdom and to devote itself to prayer rather than protests.

SEE EARTHQUAKE PICTURES ON THE WEB SITE

Be sure to look at the pictures on the web site www.ChurchInChina.com  by logging on to the OMF story on page one, By all means, lift up the wounded and suffering and ask the Lord to send Christians across their pathway so that they might hear the Word of Life. Share these reports and prayer requests with as many as possible in your church and among your friends.