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PASTORAL LETTER TO CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES9 February 2012 PASTORAL LETTER TO CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Beloved Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
We deeply grieve with you, especially with our brothers and sisters in the island provinces of Negros and Cebu, as you struggle to cope with the devastating earthquake that struck on Monday the 6th February 2012, causing death, and large scale damage to buildings, roads and bridges. We learn with sorrow that these provinces were heavily populated, and that the 6.8 magnitude earthquake left about 43 dead, some crushed under buildings that collapsed, with the toll likely to cross a hundred. We are painfully aware of the landslides that lasted for about 2 hours and the after shock of a magnitude of 6.2 that struck central Philippines 4 hours later causing more panic and fear. We are worried that damage to buildings, roads and bridges is making the area inaccessible to people engaged in rescue operations, and also that food and medical aid is delayed for the same reasons.
We read with anxiety the newspaper reports that Philippines sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” which is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. In times like this we realize the vulnerability and helplessness of human beings, and the resulting pain and trauma at the loss of loved ones, the despair and frustration, and mainly the fear of getting on with life, when one is exhausted emotionally and physically. We the members of the CCA family share your sorrow and pain and hold your hands in solidarity and prayer. Let us gain strength from each other and at the same time take courage in the fact that God the Creator is compassionate. He is the rock
and the fortress in whom we take refuge. (Psalm 18:2)
May I appeal to the members of the CCA family to pray for the churches and the people in the Philippines and to generously contribute to lend support and solidarity to our brothers and sisters affected by the earthquake. Rev. R B. Reyes, General Secretary, NCC Philippines may be contacted at the following telephone numbers or email :
Tel: + 63-2-928-8636/ 929 3745; Fax: + 63-2-926 7076;Email: padirex@gmail.com May the God of love and compassion embrace us all. Yours sincerely, Henrietta Hutabarat Lebang General Secretary Cc: CCA Member Churches and Councils, Members of the General Committee and Program Area Committee and Ecumenical Partners posted by communications on Thursday, February 09, 2012 |
