This week's news of the tsunami in Samoa has shocked us all. We are shocked because of the scale of the disaster
and the tragic loss of life. We are shocked because of the close affinity that New Zealand has with Samoa, especially
through family connections and friendships. This tragedy is very close to home. It is compounded by the difficulties
in communication. Many people still don't know how their loved ones have fared.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the tsunami. Please pray for those who are in grief in our
churches and in our community, as well as in Samoa and Tonga. Pray for those who have been injured and for those who
will tend their wounds. Pray for the villages and communities that have been destroyed and for the various churches,
charities and organisations that will help them rebuild. Pray for the Government of Samoa as it exercises leadership
in this time of national crisis. Pray for our Samoan and Tongan brothers and sisters in Christ in New Zealand as they
rally to support their families and villages. Pray that, in the midst of this disaster, people will
experience the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit.
Please pray also for our Army chaplain Ra Koia as he heads to Samoa with the NZ Defence Response Team.
Through the Global Mission Office we have released some emergency funding for the Moderator of the Pacific Island Synod,
the Rev Aotofaga Lemuelu, to take with him as he travels to Samoa this weekend, as an initial gift of support for the relief
work in Samoa. Our CWM family of churches will also be releasing funds to help with emergency work and restoration.
Please look for opportunities to support relief initiatives through the likes of Christian World Service and our own Global Mission Office.
A number of our churches around the country are organising special ecumenical services or vigils this Sunday. Please check
with your local Pacific church or presbytery about the services being run in your community. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs has set up a special website for those with specific concerns about family in
Samoa and Tonga, as well as the latest news updates and listings of some local events.
Once again, I would invite you all this Sunday to hold the people of the Pacific in your prayers and
seek ways to offer practical support for rescue and restoration work.
Yours in Christ,
Graham Redding
Moderator
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