News from China

I was thrilled to receive an email this morning from two of our very good friends that are missionaries to China. Up until this morning, we hadn't heard if they were okay or not. So the email came as a huge relief. I have cut and pasted part of their email, but have changed out their names for their protection.

We are fine! Praise God!

The earthquake's epicenter was only 60 miles from us a place we go through all the time and near an area we work in quite a bit, so we really felt it. It was strong (7.9) and lasted 3-5 minutes. Itwas like a scene from a movie where everyone started running and screaming! My daughter and I were downtown with friends on the 3rd floor of a mall. We were talking about trusting God with kids and how you think you really are trusting Him and then something happens and you realize how much more trust you need. Then the earthquake started! We didn't realize the quake was going to last so long so we stayed sitting where we were for awhile and were praying like crazy. When the crowd had passed and the quake was still going and stuff started falling from the ceiling, we grabbed the stroller and ran for the stairwell and then outside. It was still going. Everyone was outside on the sidewalks and in the streets. We got on a bus to head home but were in it for 1 hour when it should have taken 10-15 minutes. The bus was packed! Finally we got out and walked 2 hours to get home. Once home, everyone in our apartment complex was outside in the courtyard till dark. They were being told not to go back indoors because of more after shocks. By the evening, the gas was turned back on, and it was nice to take a hot shower.

My husband was with a friend also on the third floor. He and his friend were talking about how we need to see a move of God with power. Ten seconds later things started to shake and they both thought, "It's a sign!" thinking it was just a shaky building. Then it got really bad & they realized it was an earth quake and were like "wooohhh" and they started to run with everyone out of the building. A piece of wood/ceiling fell between he and his friend as they were leaving!...He was quite excited...God definitely protected us and we are so thankful.

Thank you for your faithful prayers for us! You never know when they will be needed the most!