2014-01-17
To support the Philippine partner church in coping with the
consequences of the devastating tropical storm Haiyan of November 8th
2013, members of the PROK were sent in the period from January 20th to February 22nd to give a hand to the United Church of Christ
in the Philippines (UCCP). After a preparation committee gained a first
overview of the situation, members of the General Assembly staff coordinated groups of Korean
volunteers in five teams for 5 days each. The first group was composed of the
leadership of the PROK, to show solidarity and also to bring goods of relief
aid.
Prayer
of the Vice Moderator during the Solidarity Service on January 21st 2014
God
of Life, we thank you for your infinite grace
that enabled us to come together in this place today, to gather in your
presence as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. We
thank you that you bless us with this strong overseas partnership, where we as
brothers and sisters in Christ can stand together, pray together and share
comfort and relief in times of agony and despair.
God
of Solace, we entrust you with our grief for
all those lives which were lost and the tremendous devastation due to the
natural disaster of November 8, 2013. Let those of us who were not affected
respond to our responsibility to stand with our brothers and sisters in times
of pain and grief. Open our eyes, hearts and hands to do as much as we can to
help to relieve the innocent victims of this disaster. Let us never forget that
it is exclusively your mercy that grants us life, health and wealth; let us not
hesitate to share what we humbly receive from you.
God
of Justice, we ask you to remind us that
natural disasters do not happen out of nowhere. We come before you to repent
our affluent lifestyle that leads to deterioration and disorder of the precious
life you created with greatest prudence. Please help us to overcome our greed
for energy and convenience. Help us to realize that our lifestyle of
consumption and over-consumption contributes to global climate alterations, and
hence to natural disasters like typhoons, floods and droughts.
God of
Hope, we
believe in your wisdom and omnipotence. We appeal to you that you receive our
sincere prayer and transform us into your humble disciples. Let us appreciate
your clemency, realize our commitment and follow your way alone. In the name of
Jesus we pray.
Amen.