JUCHITÁN DE ZARAGOZA, Mexico — Thousands of homes in this city were severely damaged. Half of the 19th-century city hall, with its 30 arches, collapsed. The main hospital here was so devastated that staff members evacuated patients to an empty lot and worked by the light of their cellphones.
By the time the earthquake’s tremors finally faded, at least 36 people in Juchitán de Zaragoza were dead.
And now we have Harvey and Irma ………..
What can be said at times like this? As close to the perfect message of hope I have found is this opening prayer given by our good friend Ed Heberlein at our church service Sunday.
“Compassionate Father,
we pray for those who have been devastated by these recent storms.
We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort.
Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long rebuilding ahead.
We ask your blessing on all who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope.
Bless the work of the relief agencies and those proving assistance. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.
Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance and in aid to the best of our abilities.
Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even after the crisis is over.
We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen”
Please visit our sister site trumpetensemblemusic.com where I have posted one of my favorite trumpet ensemble arrangements which you can download free of charge at this time.
You can also see and hear the video I produced in memory of this weeks unfortunate occurances.
