Special Appeal for Cyclone Gabrielle

Please read on for a special message from Bishop Justin:

Dear whānau

This week we have watched with horror as Cyclone Gabrielle has torn through communities across the North Island. Many of us have sat in spaces of anxiety as we tried and failed to connect with family and friends who are without power, heating or means of communication. 

Although any loss of life is a tragedy, we are grateful that so far this has been minimal. We are in awe of all those who have worked so hard in areas of Civil Defence, rescue and infrastructure repair. There are many good stories of people being the hands and feet of Jesus to their neighbours.

However, this storm has had a massive impact.  So many families have lost their homes, their belongings; so many communities have lost vital infrastructure, facilities and access routes. Cleaning up is going to take a long time, and will take a huge amount of physical and financial resource.

Our Province including Anglican Missions has established Hāpaitia: The Cyclone Gabrielle Response Group, working to get support where it’s needed most. At this time, what’s needed is cash. So we are asking every parish and mission unit to make a contribution this weekend, which Anglican Missions will direct through their networks to get where it can make the most impact.

We know that there is financial pressure for households at present, and that many of us are also giving for other disasters around the world, such as the Turkey-Syria earthquake. Anything you are able to give will be gratefully received. Let’s be people who respond with love and care for those whose lives have been turned upside down.  And let’s continue to hold affected whānau and communities before God in prayer.               

In Jesus’ name

+Justin  

Read a statement from Archbishop Philip here