One of my very best friends lives in China. She, too, is an empty nester who courageously went with her husband to live and work in China as their youngest went off to college. They’ve been there eight years now. 

Two weeks ago when the earthquake struck they were in Cheng Du visiting some American friends. They were in an apartment building when the earth began to shake and roll. My friend wrote in an email that it seemed to last forever as they tried to find safety in doorways and outside. For hours and hours they were detained from re-entering the building as were millions of others in that city of ten million.

In the days that followed they and the other Americans began to see what they could do to help. Here is what one man wrote after spending a day near the epicenter of the quake’s massive destruction.

“While we were talking to some of the now homeless Chinese an after-shock came.  It was a strong jolt but very short.  I was looking at Mr. X when the after-shock hit and he jumped back and had a look of terror on this face.  As soon as it stopped he put down a basket he was carrying and sat on it.  He looked utterly defeated.  After a few minutes I knelt down and put my arm around his shoulders.  He put his head on my shoulder and we both let the tears flow.  He was so helpless and in shock.  I told him many times “God loves you” “don’t worry”, etc.  Before we left we asked if we could pray for them.  I prayed knowing that this is probably the first time they have heard the name of Jesus. Altogether we were gone for thirteen hours and came back exhausted.  We all shed tears and said many prayers.  So many people are hopeless.  The earth, that was their source of sustenance through farming, was now betraying them.  So many families were separated, children in boarding schools (even elementary students), husbands in larger cities looking for work.  Without electricity or cell phone service they don’t know if family members are okay.”

This letter came in the first week after the quake. Since then the government has worked tirelessly on rescue efforts and establishing tent cities for the innumerable homeless. Despite their valiant efforts, what these dear people need is someone like our friend who came and prayed for and hugged the man who had lost all. James 1:27 says, “This is pure and undefiled religion to visit orphans and widows in their distress.” Truly there are millions in distress in China right now. Will you pray that believers who live in that country will find ways to be God’s arms of love and grace and good news to those in such desperate need?

Also, if you’ve never read the book, Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn, I would highly recommend it for your summer reading list. It is one of my all time favorite books ever and it’s about China. And it’s also true even though the book is written as a novel. If you can’t find it in your local bookstore, go to www.epm.org (eternal perspective ministries) and you can order online.

One last word. Be sure and read what your paper is reporting almost daily about the earthquakes in China. It will remind you to pray as it helps you understand what’s happening there.