Pray for those in Pam's Path

Most of you will be aware of Cyclone Pam who is heading through the Pacific causing mass destruction in Vanuatu. The Solomon Islands and Tuvalu have also been hit and Pam is heading to New Zealand and is expected to hit Northland’s east coast late Sunday or Monday. For those of you who are not on Facebook here is a message that I have posted on the GB Worldwide Facebook page and also the Pacific Fellowship Facebook page this morning:

“Cyclone Pam causes destruction in Vanuatu is one of the headings in the news this morning. Solomon Islands and Tuvalu both GB countries have also been hit and it is heading to the east coast of Northland here in NZ late Sunday or Monday. In Vanuatu there are unconfirmed deaths of 44 in one of the north eastern provinces. There are 83 islands in Vanuatu and many people live in housing that is made of lighter building materials such as cardboard, straw and corrugated metals. These will not withstand a storm packing 250km winds. Evacuation centres have been set up in churches and schools. Most communication and power has been cut by the storm. It is said that Vanuatu will need some serious assistance from the international community because the storm has wreaked an awful lot of damage. Schools will be damaged or destroyed, health centres will undoubtably be flooded or damaged. Both UNICEF and World Vision have personnel stationed in Vanuatu. Before the storm hit World Vision helped communities to prepare by positioning water, food, blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene and kitchen kits in key places. Renelle (deputy chair) and I are booked to go to Vanuatu in 5 weeks time to provide training and support for their GB leaders. We will be guided by Vanuatu as to whether this is the best time to be going.

Please keep all these countries in your prayers.”

I have seen some photos on the internet of Tuvalu with quite deep water on their streets and also some video clips of Vanuatu. News is being updated regularly so you may like to check out news updates on the internet.

Please pray for these countries as they battle with Cyclone Pam. I will keep in touch with them as I am sure that they will be needing resources etc once things have settled down, and they look at rebuilding what has been destroyed. If there are ways that GB can help, I will certainly be in touch with countries.

Jill, Laeheng and Sulufaiga please be assured of the prayers from your sisters in the Pacific at this time.

God bless,

Jennifer

Jennifer Box, QSM, JP

International Vice President

Pacific Girls' Brigade