Pray for New Zealand: God Defend our LandJay and Erin Lucas - 26 Feb 2011
Dear International 24-7 Friends.
Kia ora.
On Tuesday February 22 at 12:51PM, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake, 2 miles deep, hit Christchurch, New Zealand. Christchurch was still recovering from the 7.1 quake that hit last September and now much of what was still standing has come toppling down. Architects believe a third of the city is ruined, including Christchurch's iconic Cathedral, the centre piece at the heart of the city.
Even though the September earthquake shook the soul of the city, there were no lives lost, and over the last few months of rebuild a sense of normalcy had returned. However, the confirmed dead of this latest quake (as of today) is 145, with over 200 more people still missing. What shook the soul last year, the second quake has now pulverized. Five days later, you can see in the faces on TV, and hear in the voices on the radio, the presence of fear and anxiety.
Originally, we had been wanting to email in a rather "up-beat" mode, sharing what we have been forming in New Zealand with the launch of www.karakia.co.nz (karakia is 'prayer' in Maori). However, the introduction of a "new ministry" now seems rather redundant; but the call to prayer has never been more pertinent. God has prepared us to help people cope with the "infinite sadness" across the entire land.
But there is hope. The emergency response has been outstanding - from city council, to national government, to local church, people have been pitching in with amazing acts of rescue, kindness and hospitality. And as of yesterday, a song is being heard across the land that is providing healing in an amazing way
One of the reasons Jay was not able to be at the gathering in Scotland last year, was because he was heading into the studio with Cindy Ruakere to record her latest worship/prayer album. At the last minute it was decided to record a simple version of our National Anthem, God Defend New Zealand. Three weeks ago Cindy released the song for free on the internet, and as of yesterday, the song - a phenomenal prayer - went viral. National TV and radio stations have played it (a 7 minute track!) in its entirety. Tweets and Facebook status' all over the land show how the song has impacted people in overwhelmingly emotional ways: DJ's bawling on the floor of their station, Radio Managers teary eyed, people pulling over their cars in tears as the words impact the heart, forming hope and solidarity. Secular New Zealand is understanding, for the first time, our national song:
God of nations, at Thy feet, in the bonds of love we meet / Let our love for Thee increase, may Thy blessings never cease / Guide us in the nations van, preaching love and truth to man, working out Thy glorious plan, God defend New Zealand.
Yesterday we had over 3000 hits on our site, and over 1500 downloads of the anthem.
So guys, I ask for prayer. And to help you pray, I give you the link to the song and lyrics of our anthem. Pray this on behalf of us - and even make it your own for your land.
Loads of blessings to you,
Jay & Erin