11 February 2009
Statement: National call to prayer
Ringwood, Victoria
Chester Stanley (president, Adventist Church, Australia)
All of you will be very much aware of the tragic situation here in Victoria that has resulted from the devastating bushfires we experienced over this past weekend. It is Australia's worst ever natural disaster and as you can appreciate, Victoria is in deep mourning as the death toll mounts and the pictures and reports of utter devastation keep rolling in. This is a disaster of gigantic proportions that has resulted in immense human suffering.
I believe at a time like this our church across Australia needs to come together in earnest prayer.
Consequently, I am asking that in each Adventist church throughout Australia this coming Sabbath morning, February 14, we spend some time in special prayer for all those impacted by the fires here in Victoria. I would suggest that instead of the regular pastoral prayer, that the whole church be invited to participate in a time of prayer. For example, worshipers could gather together in small groups or in twos and threes.
The focus of the time of prayer would be:
- for those who have lost loved ones and friends;
- for those who have lost their homes;
- and also for those who are fighting the fires or are involved in various activities relating to coordinating relief efforts.
I am sure it will be a rich experience for all and of course you can use your creativity to enhance this time of prayer.
I realise the time frame is very tight but it may be possible in some situations for the news of your plans for a time of prayer to be shared publicly and for you to invite members of the public to come and join you in prayer on Sabbath morning. It would send a powerful message that we are a people of prayer and that we care for our fellow Australians.
It would also be good to encourage your church to contribute to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency's Disaster Preparedness and Relief Fund which is the source of their funds for such tragedies. Donations can be made online or by calling 1800 242 372. Your people will be anxious to help in a tangible way.
May the Lord bless as you lead your people this coming Sabbath and particularly as we come together corporately in prayer at this time of deep grief for our nation. There is something both inspiring and powerful about the thought of our approximately 500 congregations coming together and beseeching the Lord. I think it would be important to share with your church that the church across Australia was coming together at this time.
I thank you for your leadership, your faithfulness and zeal.
Do have a great Sabbath and God bless.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is responding to the crisis.
Update on the impact the bushfires have had on the Adventist Church in Victoria - 10 February | 11 February
Nathan Brown, editor of Record, reflects on the Victorian bushfires.