Read Time: 5 min 30 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

WORLD NEWS

Deadly Quake

On Friday, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake (on a scale of 0-9) struck Myanmar (a country formerly known as Burma and located in Southeast Asia bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand). Tremors were felt across the region. The quake killed at least 2,700 people and injured another 4,500. 

The epicenter was in central Myanmar near Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The earthquake caused widespread devastation, collapsing bridges, buildings, and power lines. It’s the latest disaster in a string of trouble for the country that’s been torn by civil war for the last four years. Myanmar’s junta—a military group that rules a country after taking power by force—made a rare request for international help.

The earthquake’s impact was felt over 800 miles away in neighboring Thailand, too. Multiple construction sites collapsed in the capital, Bangkok.

Continuing tremors, civil war, poor communication infrastructure, and widespread poverty are complicating recovery. Nearly a week later, buildings are still collapsing and hundreds are still missing. Rescue efforts continue as international aid organizations lend a hand on the ground. First responders have shared stories of people rescued from rubble after being trapped for nearly 100 hours.

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BE DOERS 
It’s easy to feel helpless when we hear stories like this, but the Bible promises that prayer is powerful. Pray for the people devastated by this earthquake. God hears the prayers of his people, acting for our good and his glory.

“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray… Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” 
James 5:13, 16 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids practice in light of this story?
Gratefulness.

It is easy to take basic gifts like running water, electricity, cell service, and a safe trip to school for granted because they’re always there. But this earthquake shows that human life is fragile, and those basics are not a guarantee.

Make a habit of giving thanks for what you have, because everything is a gift from God (James 1:17). The apostle Paul says gratefulness is a spiritual discipline: “Be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God” (Ephesians 5:18-20 CSB). 

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
Earthquakes are an opportunity to remember our smallness and God’s greatness.
 
Natural disasters can make us feel really helpless—and that’s not a bad thing. The universe God created and operates is enormous, and we are small in comparison. Despite all our technological advancements, the forces of nature are beyond human mastery… But not for Jesus. Even when he was groggy with bedhead, he controlled terrifying wind and waves with ease (Mark 4:39). And when Jesus was crucified, God brought on darkness and an earthquake and spontaneous rock-splitting (Matthew 27:51–54).

It’s good to be humble in the face of our Creator’s incredible power and remember how much we need God. But we never need to fear, because the Lord is completely in control.

• Make gratefulness a family habit. List things you’re thankful for before you ask for things in prayer, add to a gratitude list daily in a journal, take the time to write a “thank you” note, or share what you love about your friends and family… get creative.

• Memorize 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (CSB).

• Pray for those in Southeast Asia to have hope, strength, and peace as they face difficult circumstances and work to rebuild.

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