There is a text in the Easter story that we often pass over: “Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, cover us” (Luke 23:30). Little wonder that we pass over this verse – it hardly bears thinking about. We have often taken it as apocalyptic language that wakens us up to how much is at stake in the events of Easter.
For some of our neighbours affected by Cyclone Freddy, however, it is a literal description of what happened to them. The above picture from our neighbouring district of Chiradzulu shows the scene today where a happy village stood before the storm struck.
One of our postgraduate students is the parish minister there and speaks of visiting church members who have had the Job-like experience of suddenly losing everything – their family members, their home, their property, everything that gave their life meaning. He is very conscious of the risk of sounding like “Job’s comforters,” offering no more than empty platitudes.
Better to be present but silent at such a time. This post is not making any attempt to explain or provide answers. Only it invites us to recognise the enormity of what has happened to some of our neighbours (whether near or far). Knowing that they are not ignored or forgotten is something that matters to them. Can we do any less than have them in our thoughts, concerns and prayers during these devastating days?
Thinking Mission Blog 