Update: The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier of Victoria John Brumby has announced that a National Day of Mourning would be held on Sunday 22 February, 2009 to honour the victims of Victoria's devastating bushfires and to recognise the courage and tireless efforts of emergency service workers...more
11 February 2009
Media release: Seventh-day Adventists respond to Victorian bushfire tragedy
The president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia has expressed deep sadness and grief over the tragic Victorian bushfires.
"I was stunned by the viciousness, speed and the scope of the fires and join all Australians in mourning the terrible loss of lives," Pastor Stanley says.
Pastor Stanley has called on all 55,000 members of the Adventist Church in Australia to pray for those who have experienced the horror and loss of family, homes and possessions. He wants Adventists to also pray for the fire fighters, State Emergency Service (SES), police, army and others who are stressed by the enormity and the shock of the tragedy, and to pray for favourable weather which will bring an end to the fires.
Some Adventists have lost property, but Pastor Stanley says it is still too early to ascertain whether any church members have been killed or injured.
No Seventh-day Adventist churches, schools or retirement villages have been damaged or destroyed.
Pastor Stanley says that the church was on the ground quickly to lend support:
- the Sanitarium Health Food Company has delivered Weet-Bix, So Good and Up&Go products to emergency centres operated by the Salvation Army and Red Cross in Whittlesea, Wallan and Diamond Creek, Kinglake, Yea and Marysville where 93% of the homes have been destroyed, as well as the local supermarket;
- emergency accommodation for 55 people has been provided at Lilydale Adventist Academy and in the homes of church members;
- all 60 Adventist schools around Australia are taking up gold coin collections from the 10,000 students enrolled;
- the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) provided $150,000 as a first response within 24 hours of the fires through its partnership with the government-nominated lead agency, the Australian Red Cross; and
- counselling services and emergency accommodation are being provided.
"I'd like to encourage every Seventh-day Adventist to join other Australians by providing cash donations as it is the quickest and most effective means of providing support," Pastor Stanley says.
Donations can be given to ADRA by calling 1800 242 372, or donating online.
Contact: David Gibbons
Mobile: 0418 410 557
Email: davidgibbons@adventistmedia.org.au