With the mercy of God, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan expresses its most sincere concern for the suffering of the people and the churches in China which are a part of the body of Christ and also are fellow members of the World Council of Churches. On May 12, 2008, the people in Sichuan, China, suffered the most serious disaster they’ve experienced in a hundred years when a 7.9 magnitude quake occurred in Wenchuan County. In just one night, more than 30 thousand people were killed; more than 100 thousand were left homeless, and many areas were devastated and completely demolished. We heard media reports and witnessed scene after scene of the devastation, but we cannot imagine how terrifying and hopeless the actual situations truly are. We deeply feel the suffering your people have experienced, and we try to understand the grief and fear in their spirits. With the belief that we should “cherish life and share sufferings,” the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan immediately informed churches in Taiwan; called for action and donations; asked God who rules history and life to bless and safeguard everyone in the earthquake areas and to comfort all the living, hurting, and grieving people. After rescuing the possible living and relocating those people who lost their homes, the whole disaster area will need long-term reconstruction. Besides living facilities and community construction, the healing of human hearts, lives and spirits will be even more important. The churches will be able to play an important role in these aspects. After the 921 earthquake in central Taiwan in 1999, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan devoted time and resources to the reconstruction work for four years. We are willing to work with your churches and to support your work in China. By doing this, we, as a church, will “become the sign of hope, through love and suffering.” “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (I Corinthians 12:26) Rev. Asing Aman, Moderator Rev. Chang Te-Chien, General Secretary
( translated from the original Chinese text )
CC：Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia / World Council of Churches
Rev. Dr. Des van der Water / Council for World Mission
Rev. Dr. Prawate Khid-arn / Christian Conference of Asia |