Christchurch Earthquake

The images and stories coming out of Christchurch following the recent earthquakes have been disturbing and moving. I'm sure you, like myself, are watching and listening with disbelief as buildings fall and the death toll continues to rise.

We have a great church in Christchurch run by my friend Pastor Steve Burgess- C3 Church Christchurch- It’s  members, like many who live in the city, found themselves becoming a part of the tragedy. Stories from pastoral staff at C3 Church Christchurch saying they were pulling bodies from rubble help hit home to me how real this all is.

Although we in Dunedin were close enough to feel slight rumbles we find ourselves too far away to physically help- But we can help. Below is some information of various ways you can help from where you are, right now!

- Ps Chris Mac

How we can help :

• 3news has a page up all about the Basic Information you need to know, how you can donate

• Accomadation: If you have a room or 3 to house Christchurch people: upload your info to the Accommodation for Earthquake Stricken Cantabrians facebook page , ALSO let the Dunedin iSite Visitor Centre team at 20 Princes Street know by phone 03 474 3300.

• please do not hesitate to bring items for the C3 dunedin food bank collection – as our city opens its doors to cantabrian’s, we too can provide not only accommodation but also food.

• Reduce your mobile use, as Telecom, 2degrees and Vodafone networks are struggling with the overloaded networks, please leave the lines free for emergencies and for those trying to get hold of loved ones.

• If you are looking for some one check out the google person finder application set up for the quake

• If you have been in contact with people in Christchurch and They don’t have internet access please post a confirmation message on there Facebook page, this helps spread the word they are okay and doing well.  Also Encourage Cantabrian’s with internet to post – Its a small thing, but will make a huge difference to those worried about them.

• keep an eye on the facebook pages set up to support people effected by the earthquake – we can help by linking people to pages and places that can directly assist them

• Lastly, keep Christchurch and all those effected by the earthquake in your prayers.

And remember this is not ‘quick fix’ situation, it is going to take alot of time and resources before christchurch will be back to its normal self, our support however small will make a huge difference.