As I type, it is raining ash in our town, so we have a layer of ash on our house (and on us when we go outside). Though, the air is unhealthy right now, we are fortunate to still have our home, and life is still functioning the same as usual. The only difference is that most people are wearing masks when they go outside. But that is here...15 miles (as the crow flies) from the crater of Mt. Merapi.
If we drive along the perimeter of the "danger zone" of the volcano (currently set at a 12 mile radius from the crater), we will find broken, grieving, hurting people. People who have lost loved ones, homes, cattle, and their livelihood. We will find tens of thousands of people covered in gray who have fled from lava, ash, and gases to find shelter in overcrowded temporary camps. And this...only minutes from us.
Our team here in Salatiga is currently seeking ways in which we can help...offering hospitality, giving of food and supplies, encouraging the weak, hurting, and confused. We are looking to partner with nationals and the church here to offer relief and love to these people. Please pray that God would open up for us a door to be His comforting and compassionate hands (in any capacity) to these people in need.
"Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate." Psalm 116:5. May this verse be the voice that is heard through our actions.
1 comment:
Wow, intense! Praying that this ends up being a huge open door for you to love people and show them God's healing and compassion. :-)
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