EARTHQUAKE IN NEW ZEALAND!

Friends,

I'm sorry that each post seems to revolve around a natural disaster, but it seems there is no shortage of them these days, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. You've all heard about the massive earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand this week, and chances are you've heard that the death toll has risen well above 200 people, that there is chaos and mass devastation, and that thousands have been gravely impacted. These are all sobering facts.

But chances are you have not heard that this is a prime opportunity for the Church, for Christ-followers in New Zealand and around the globe to be a beacon of hope to those who are hurting and seeking help that only God can provide. Please check out the latest update from NCN news at the link below and consider giving to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries to help with this relief effort.

http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10000006&id=10010015

Peace to you all,
Alison

Queensland is hit again!

Queensland has been hammered once again by natural disaster; this time Cyclone Yasi is the culprit. Please check the link below for an article and photos on the effects of the storm on our Nazarenes in Northeastern Australia.

http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10000006&id=10009942

Please continue to pray for those still recovering from the massive flooding 3 weeks ago and now dealing with this cyclone.

WHITE-OUT IN KANSAS CITY!

To my Aussie friends enjoying the summer sunshine:

I used to think shoveling snow was fun. You know, a great way to burn calories, clear the lungs, and go frolicking about in a winter wonderland. Now, after the third major snowstorm in four weeks, it is merely a necessary evil that keeps us from getting trapped in the house and going insane.

Shoveling in a blizzard is really nothing more than a futile attempt to move massive amounts of snow around and look busy, only to find that minutes later all evidence of your efforts are buried once again.

Today Kansas City is again getting slammed with snow, the worst in years. Schools are closed for the 4th time since the New Year; banks are actually closing early, and believe it or not, MNU cancelled ALL classes and offices. We are in the middle of a true blizzard right now and as I peer through the window the visibility is minimal; all I see is white. The snow is falling at a rate of 2.5 inches per hour (that's 6.35 cm of snow every hour for you metric folks) and it has been snowing non-stop for over 8 hours now; you do the math. This isn't even good sledding weather, because the wind is roaring and the windchills are far below 0'F (-20'C).

Well, hoping this makes for a green spring! In the meantime; it's time to bundle up and be thankful for central heating, warm clothing, hot showers, and good food.

See you all in a few months!