God has taught me so much through Christchurch in just one week. He has revealed Himself to me in many ways and I cannot even begin to explain how incredible it is to experience the presence of God like this. When we first arrived in Christchurch I felt like we had just entered a battlefield. The physical damage was so apparent, I couldn't help but hurt for these beautiful people. Although the physical damage was hard to bear it had no comparison to the emotional and spiritual exhaustion the earthquakes left these people with. It was so heartbreaking seeing the hopelessness in so many of their eyes. I think that it is so easy to overlook the hurting people and focus on the physical disaster. However, these people are just as broken as the buildings around them. Even though there were many weary faces, God was still very much present and working in Christchurch through His selfless servants. So many people were volunteering and trying to help in any way possible just sharing God's love by shoveling liquifaction or serving hot drinks and food to the hopeless. It was so encouraging seeing Jesus in each one of these volunteers and shining His light even in some of the darkest situations. I have no doubts for Christchurch because these children of Christ were firmly standing on His rock and although the earth is shaking around them, they will not be moved.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be
carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
PSALM 46:1-3
