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Psa 97:5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. It was very clear as you look around were once there stood town, village and house. Now all lay in ruin.
For years this isolated location of Northern Pakistan has been closed to all but the teachers of Islam. Balakot, the epicenter of a massive earthquake that literally split mountains lay in ruin with over 80,000 dead. Children crushed at school, men buried at markets, women lay entombed in what use to be their homes. Massive confusion reigned as over 650,000 homes were laid waste in less than fifteen minutes. As winter set in others would die from exposure to the elements. Snow covered mountains are no place for children who have lost all possessions and parents as well as place of shelter. What does one do when all is lost and roads that could bring supplies lay in the bottom of impassable valleys? Thousands sat waiting for days. Surely relief would come? Surely men, strong men would try to dig me out of my home that tries to make my tomb.
For some, for most, help was too late but for others life that was hanging by a thread would receive help in time of need. Over the years I have learned that Calamity Clarifies and Comfort Confuses. Once the cross roads of the Mujahadeen fighter now only devastation were men dug through rubble looking for loved ones and precious mementos of passed family. Was Allah angry, had they offended him. Deep questions are asked in times of suffering. Broken hearts are often fertile ground for the Balm of Gilead.
While many were still caught up in the tremendous needs of victims of hurricanes here in the United States still thousands more caught only a few days of press attention in the snowy mountains of north Pakistan. Into despair the Lord called us to work and bring hope in the form of helping hands, listening hearts and partnerships in humanity to bear others grief and just listen as lonely family members poured out pain as they remember lost loved ones.
By the Grace of God we were empowered to share love as followers of Christ. Over three hundred families who had lost everything would now have homes from the building materials the SWI team was able to provide. Children with out boots and warm coats were getting them and families were provided with a month of food supplies. Once an area that was closed for hundreds of years was now open and followers of Christ were filling in the gaps and providing life saving support. What an honor to step into their sorrow and share the grief and offer hope through physical support and to gently pray offer those who were now broken in heart.
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