Thursday, September 8. 2022

For those who live in parched lands, water is the gift of life, but for many in areas prone to flooding, water can be deadly. Almost one-third of the country of Pakistan is under water.  And although for a country of over 220 million, 1343 as a death toll may seem to be a relief because more have not died, almost 33 million are homeless.

The flooding in Pakistan would be like the Mississippi flooding to the west to meet the Colorado—that’s how much of the land is under water and certainly destroyed for farming for quite some time. Moreover, the effect of the monsoon rains has been compounded by the effect of the melting of Pakistani glaciers. Glaciers? In Pakistan? 

Pakistan has more glaciers than any other part of the world outside the polar regions, and they are melting. There is a special kind of glacial melting known as a glacial lake outburst flood resulting in large lakes as a result of extreme heat. This is the time to live the old Gospel song, “they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Prayer for the Day

Surround us, ever present and loving Spirit, with your word

     Reminding us that when all else fails, your word is constant;

Although evil may be present in the world, we have faith

     That your love will be triumphant and justice will reign.

Enable us, we pray, to overcome evil with good

      Empowering us to bring your vision of peace to the world.

In the name of him who shared your peace with us

      Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen

Thoughts for the Day

Unless you truly feel the pain and sufferings of the people and living beings in flood, famine, poverty, disease, exploitation, and hunger – you cannot grow spiritually, scientifically, politically, and socially.”

                - Amit Ray, from Walking the Path of Compassion

Do not avert your eyes. It is important that you see this. It is important that you feel
this.

                - Kamand Kojouri, Iranian born British poet

Blessed be the Lord for God has heard the sound of my pleadings.

   The Lord is my strength and my shield; in the Lord do I trust.

I am helped and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to the Lord.

   The Lord is the strength of the people and the saving refuge of God’s anointed.

O save your people, and bless your heritage; be thir shepherd and carry them forever.

            Psalm 28: 6-9

Heavy Flooding Refugees