‘Join me in prayer for those suffering’: NZ Bishop

As people in parts of Aotearoa–New Zealand face the devastating aftermath of deadly floods there late last month, Bishop Mark Whitfield has invited all members of the LCANZ to join him in prayer for ‘those members of your whānau (family) who are suffering’.

Bishop Mark issued the invitation in a letter he shared with fellow Lutherans through an eNews last Thursday (2 February). In it, LCANZ Bishop Paul Smith also urged prayerful support for the people of New Zealand through this time.

‘I am writing to invite all members of the LCANZ to pray for all those impacted by these extreme weather events, even as our prayers go out to those in several regions in Australia which are still facing flood crises’, Bishop Mark says in his letter.

Four people are known to have died in the floods which affected the Auckland and Bay of Plenty regions of New Zealand’s North Island. It is estimated that the insurance bill will top $1 billion, and that some damage will take years to repair, Bishop Mark says.

‘You have Lutheran sisters and brothers living in the places most affected by these floods (in Auckland and Tauranga), and some of these people have suffered damage to property. Thanks be to God, there has been no loss of life amongst our people.

‘I invite you to pray with me for those members of your whānau (family) who are suffering.

‘E te Ariki, whakarongo mai ki tā mātou īnoi
Kia tae atu ā mātou tangi ki a koe.
Lord, hear our prayer
and let our cry come to you.

‘Thank you on behalf of your friends in Aotearoa–New Zealand.’

Read Bishop Mark’s letter here.