The past year had been a very tough year for Christchurch, since September earthquake last year, many people had lost their loved ones, homes, businesses, heritages and lots more we cant think of. Even thinking about all these or thinking back of what happened, the memories make me want to cry. It is still so heartbreaking and so hard to believe we had lost so much.
I remember when the 22 Feb earthquake happened I was at home washing dishes, I couldn’t stand still and had to bend my knees extend my arms to balance myself. After that I tried to contact my sister, but because the Vodafone system was down so my other sister went to her work place to check out if she was okay, then I lost contact with them for 4 hours (work is only 3 mins drive from home). Though I was worries, but somehow I had peace in me, I waited for them and watched news on TV. When they finally got home, they told me the story of how they helped a mum with her car trapped on upper lever of the car park and they took her to per school to pick up her kid then took them home at the other side of town. I guess I had the peace in me because I believed my sister were in God’s hands and I also know they are the kind of people who will reach out to the ones in need.
On that night, we found foods and blankets at home and brought it to Burnside high. On the second day, we gathered around at church and tried to see what we can do to support our city. We then made meals for the suburbs that were damaged, for the people cant get out of the house to shop or if they have to clean up their house. A group of young people went around and see if people need a hand on cleaning up the liquefaction. After that, I had a very special experience of taking medias from China and then I got to go in to CBD, see our beloved city so dead and empty. It feels very different when you are so close to the first line of things, to see the rescuers working, see the police and press meetings all set up in the Art Gallery made me feel more real to what is happening. After the media group left the country, I then had the chance to work with Grace Vineyard church and help to prepare meals for the elderly people there. It was very tiring and time consuming, organized to make meals for 70 people everyday and drop it off at New Brighton is a big commitment but very rewarding in another way. Because we were only making the meal, not sending the meals to their homes, sometimes we do wonder is what we are doing worth it? Do the people still need help or are they just lazy to cook? But when I heard stories of what we were doing helped so many people and how it comforted their hearts, I knew it’s all worth it.
I thank God for giving me a safe house and protecting all my families and friends. I thank God for giving me lots so I could give out.
I have recently read a book called “當神不再沈默”, its a translated book and i dont know its original english name, but it says that God has been waiting very patiently upon the return of His people. For a long time, He hold his hand back and showed his loving, kindness and mercy. But once He has decided to break the silence and act to wake His people, things will happen in an unimaginable way. I only wish that people will hear Him through all these incidents so that He doesn’t need to make His sound louder.
Nevertheless, its good to see that God has taken good care of my sisters there
thanks little bro