Beyond the Shaking

It's been a tough week for some of us. But as we close out the week, I am reminded of China. A powerful earthquake killed more than 22,000 and injured tens of thousands more in Wenchuan County, located in China's southwestern Sichuan province. The quake struck at 2:28 p.m. local time on May 12. The Red Cross estimates that at least 4 million homes were damaged or destroyed. The earthquake death toll could reach over 50,000 lives lost.

I am also reminded of something else this week. That Jesus is the Rock, He is our salvation, and our hope. Understanding tragedy of this magnitude is impossible, however our comfort comes from Him, the one that gives us all these things.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. - Psalm 18:2

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World Vision Sheltering China's Children

World Vision has an area development project in Qingchuan County of Sichuan province, located about 125 miles from the epicenter in Wenchuan County. All six project staff members are reported safe and working from a temporary office. There are no sponsored children yet in this project.

As the death toll from the 7.9-magnitude earthquake continues to rise, World Vision offices close to the epicenter have dispatched relief and assessment teams to provide immediate supplies, such as blankets and tents, to 10,000 people, with more supplies on the way. We are asking for $2 million in additional funding to support our relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Focus on needs of affected children

May 14: Three Child-Friendly Spaces will also be set up to offer children a way of returning to their normal routines through structured activities, games, and informal education.

If World Vision's funding goal is reached, relief and rehabilitation activities totaling $2 million will reach more than 107,000 survivors. Long-term rehabilitation activities will focus on shelter and school reconstruction.

Lorries loaded with quilts and tents are expected to begin arriving in Qingchuan by Thursday or Friday. World Vision staff report that slippery road conditions and cracked roadways are slowing down the supplies.

Help China through World Vision now!