One Year Today

Exactly one year ago the structure and face of Christchurch was dramatically changed. On 22 February 2011, a massive earthquake hit just before 1pm, destroying much of the central city and claiming 185 lives.

At the time of the earthquake I was not in Christchuch, but living on the West Coast - over 280 kilometres away. The house was shaken by a strong tremour but we (those of my family who were at home) did not know where the quake was centred. Because there had been a 7.1 magnitude quake in Christchurch five months earlier, we suspected that the city would again bear the brunt of the violent shake.

One of my brothers had just moved over to Christchurch two days previously and our initial thoughts were of concern for him and his fiancee who was visiting him in the city for the day. We didn't have to wait too long before receiving a text to say they were both fine.
As we found out later, they had been in one of the malls and when the earthquake hit, items from the shelves fell down around them, covering the floor of the aisles. Thankfully neither of them were injured and they were able to exit the shopping centre soon afterwards.

Although we were listening to updates on the radio, we didn't have a tv (long story!) so were unaware of the extent of devestation around the city. As the afternoon progressed and more aftershocks jolted the area - several of which we felt - we began to realise that the aftermath of this event would be much worse than the earlier September quake.

We gathered at a friend's house to watch some of the footage coming into the news stations and saw the surreal images for the first time. Much of the footage was raw and because it was coming straight from the devastated areas, the numerous injuries and the destruction of buildings were vividly portrayed. I couldn't watch very much - it seemed too unreal and bizarre.

In the days following as more images and information filtered though, the severity of the event really hit home. Even though I did not personally know any of those killed in the tragedy, and I remain largely unaffected by the earthquake, it still had a big emotional impact on me.

There have been more quakes since 22 February 2011 and it is unnerving to see people around me panicking, to hear massive sheets of glass window panes creaking as buildings sway, and to live with the uncertainty of if - or when - another major tremour will occur. I do not know the future or how long I have on this earth. But instead of despair or fear, I can be certain of Jesus Christ, my sure foundation.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28