Read Time: 3 min 29 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WORLD NEWS

Afghanistan Quake

On Sunday night in eastern Afghanistan, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck (on a scale from 1-10). At least 1,400 people were killed, and over 3,000 were injured.

The quake’s starting point (“epicenter”) was about 17 miles from Jalalabad, near the border separating Afghanistan from Pakistan (see map). The quake was just 5 miles below the surface (most earthquakes are at least 6 miles deep). The shallow epicenter meant more intense shaking on the surface. Weak mud-brick and wooden homes collapsed completely. Aftershocks followed, including a 5.2 magnitude on Monday and a 5.5 magnitude on Tuesday. 

Rescue efforts have been challenging. The land is steep; landslides (falling dirt and rocks) have blocked roads; and supplies are hard to come by. The Taliban, a government with harsh rules that’s ruled since 2021, has asked for help from other countries.

Meanwhile, in Africa, Sudan is also asking for help. A landslide in its Darfur region (which is already suffering from war) leveled an entire village on Sunday. An estimated 1,000 people were killed in a “nightmare” scenario, and only one person from the village survived. 


__

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Natural disasters remind us that all of the world has been broken by sin. Join us in praying for comfort, rescue, and ultimately, hope only found through Christ, for the Afghan and Sudanese people.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (CSB) (read full passage)

What might my kids misunderstand about this story?
It’s easy to feel helpless when you hear stories like this, but there’s nothing more powerful we can do than pray.

After a tragedy, people often offer their “thoughts and prayers.” Others complain that thoughts and prayers are no good; what’s really needed is action. And if a person promises “thoughts and prayers” without actually praying… that is pretty much worthless. But the Bible promises that when we do bring everything to God in prayer, that is powerful. There is no mightier action we can take than pleading with the God who commands the orbit of planets; He has (miraculously) promised to hear us and mobilize when we pray (Matthew 7:7-11; James 5:13-16).

So pray confidently for the people devastated by these natural disasters. God hears the prayers of his people, acting for our good and his glory.

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
Christians look forward to a future where there’s redemption not just for people who trust Jesus, but for creation itself. 

The apostle Paul writes about the beautiful, suffering-free ending that’s coming: “For the creation was subjected to futility​—​not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children” (Romans 8:20-21 CSB).

Just like sin traps people in death, sin traps the earth in decay. But Jesus’s resurrection has sprung the trap, and one day the world will be free from earthquakes, landslides, death, and sorrow. God will make everything new.

• Put a list together of prayers God has answered. Thank him for hearing you, and discuss areas of life that you could pray for boldly.

• Memorize Hebrews 4:16, “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need” (CSB).

• Pray for those affected by these tragedies—that God would provide for their physical and spiritual needs and that they would have the hope of new life because of Jesus’s resurrection.

RECOMMENDED

What’s Guiding Us at the Library
The Redeemed Reader*

POV: You pull a bedtime story out of your kid’s library bag, get halfway through, then realize the content isn’t fit for young disciples’ ears.

The authors of The Redeemed Reader have read ahead, so you don’t have to quit in the middle of chapter 4. 

This book is your guide to choosing the best books for your child’s shelf. Authors help you choose well-written and age-appropriate titles, tempt reluctant readers with engaging stories, and navigate tough topics when they do show up in books.

Order The Redeemed Reader today—because your child’s imagination needs discipleship, not just entertainment.

How We’re Giving Our Marriages a Refresh
With Weekend to Remember from FamilyLife*

Whether your marriage needs rescue or just a little refresh, Weekend to Remember is for you. 

This biblically based getaway offers practical tools and gospel-rooted engagement to help you grow together… not just get by. Whether you’re in a tough season or just want to give your spouse some high-quality QT, a weekend away might be just what your marriage needs. 

It’s a simple investment with lasting impact—for you, your family, and even future generations.

Register now through September 15th and save BIG with their biggest sale of the year!

Advertise with us

*sponsored

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Now that’s some sand art...