Prayers for Nepal

          You've probably heard someone  say that their world has been rocked.  They meant it as an AHA moment, but last weekend tens of thousands of people had their world rocked - literally. People in 5 or 6 countries felt the tremors and thousands are dead, with the count rising.

                An earthquake. People left without houses, or f they do have a house still standing, they don't dare to sleep in it because of after shocks. A lady I work with has family in Nepal; she reports that they are sleeping in tents, and that it's cold, raining, and hail at times. There is no power, and food and water are limited.

                They're there, we are here, and for most of us the2  best things  we can do are pray and write checks. It's great that people want to go help, but unless you're specifically trained in a field that is needed immediately, what are you going to do when you get there? Supplies and housing are limited. The airport is only partially operational.  Please leave seats available on flights for medical personnel and specially trained emergency response teams.  There will come a time in the next few weeks when "I'm here, what can I do to help?"  may be appropriate, but now the greater need is probably for specific items - items that can be distributed to those in need.

                And how can we pray? Pray for peace in the hearts of those who have lost loved ones.  Pray for healing for those who were injured. Pray for generous, even sacrificial giving from people around the world so that cities can be rebuilt. Pray that much needed supplies will arrive in a timely manner and be distributed throughout the area where there is such need.  Pray for all those involved in search and rescue and recovery efforts. And pray that God will use this horrific event to draw people to Him. Amen

           Even when we don't have words, the Holy Spirit does, our heart's cry becomes the groans of the Holy Spirit.