Over the past week, we have seen and heard of the tragic earthquakes in Turkey and Syria with the loss of over 22,000 lives. The earthquakes of 7.8 and 7.2 magnitude within nine hours have been devastating as the recovery of victims continues. There are thousands of people that have been left homeless, some in homes that don’t have running water or heat.
While workers continue to look for survivors as family members keep themselves hopeful as they stand around fires trying to stay warm. Our prayers are needed for the families who have lost loved ones and for the tens of thousands injured.
In this area, earthquakes are not unusual. There are records highlighting earthquakes over the centuries. Somehow the collapsing of buildings during the early morning hours killing innocent people is much the result of decisions to overlook valuable information.
One of my mentors shared something that has remained with me over the years. We all make decisions based on the information that we have. No matter whatever information that we have, it becomes what we must live with and the consequences of those decisions. Hence, good information makes for good decisions; bad information leads to bad decisions.
Let us remain prayerful for those who remain and for the many responders performing search and rescue amidst the dangerous conditions. Seeing people who have survived is a testimony of God still working miracles.
Several people have shared with me that the recent “Win the Day” series has been a blessing for beginning this new year. Just to have been reminded of some known principles and introduced to fresh knowledge is instrumental in how we live each day.
It is my prayer that we make each second count as we become all that God desires for us to be. This Sunday we will conclude the “Win the Day” series with the message from 1 Kings 18:41-46 and Psalm 126, titled “Seed the Clouds.”
Looking forward to our time of worship together.
Pastor Frank