02.08.2021

"We pray for you!"

The Wupper left its riverbed in places and caused flooding. (Photo: M. Pauly/UEM)

From Rev. Ephorus Togar S. Simatupang

Greetings from GKPA, Padangsidimpuan.
We have received the information about the flood's disaster in Germany on last 15 July 2021. We are concerned and we pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will give strength to the victims. Herewith, we inform you that we have send our donation to support the EkiR and the EKvW. We hope they will be recovered soon. Again, we would like to say thank you very much for our good cooperation.
May God bless us and with best wishes.

Sincerely yours,
Rev. Ephorus Togar S. Simatupang

From the UEM Moderator Rev. Willem TP Simarmata

Brothers and Sisters in Germany.

I am so saddened to experience the natural  catastrophe amidst the challenging times of pandemic. Up to 70 people are missing in Germany after flash floods swept across western and southern parts of the country, causing buildings to collapse. I mourn for those who have lost their lives in this catastrophe. We do not yet know these numbers but there will be many.

As the UEM Moderator, I would like to extend my empathy to our German member churches, for whom have been affected by this catastrophe. Please extend my deep condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We pray for all humanitarian effort which  are conducted by governments and all social element n Germany.

May the Lord strengthen and grant you wisdom to face these unprecedented calamities in faith ang hope. Please remember that we are standing on your side and keep praying for you. The word of God for your comford and strength is taken frm Nahum 1 verse 7 : "The Lord is good - a refuge in trouble times. He knows those who are confiding in Him".

May God bless you all. 

Your brother in Christ

Willem TP Simarmata

From the General Secretary of GKJW Rev Budi Cahyono (Indonesia)

Greetings in the love of Christ.

I hope you and your family are well.

I heard that houses have been washed away with many others in danger of collapsing, dozens of people are missing or stranded and 200,000 properties are without power after two days of heavy rain causes rivers to burst their banks across western Germany and neighboring Belgium. At least 19 people have died in Germany and dozens were missing on today (Thursday, 15/7) as record rainfall in western Europe caused rivers to burst their banks, swept away homes and inundated cellars. The heaviest rainfall ever measured over 24 hours caused flooding in cities, including Cologne, Wuppertal, and Westphalia.

I am really saddened to hear this news. I extend my sympathies to the victims of this flood catastrophe.

How about your location?

Did the area where you live also experience the disaster?

Really, I hope you and your family are safe and health.

*Please convey GKJW's deep concern about this disaster to the sisters and brothers in Wuppertal.*

Warm regards,

Budi Cahyono

From Rev. Ernest Kadiva and our colleagues in Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania)

Greetings in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the deaths and scale of damages caused by heavy rains and its food in Germany and other parts of Europe.

On behalf of Africa Regional Staff, I wish to extend our heartfelt compassion to the families and friends whose lives and properties have been taken by the floods.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, we are confident that God's mercy will carry you through at this difficult time.

Indeed floods can wash away everything but they cannot wash away the hope in your heart. We pray to God to give you all the strength to fight out these tough times.

In God’s Mission

From Rev. Binsar Jonathan Pakpahan, STT Jakarta (Indonesia)

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am extending our prayer for the people of Germany, where we have record rainfall that caused rivers to burst their banks. I pray that the family of the victims will be strengthened by God, and all help measures are being implemented safely. Hope you are well.

In prayers,

Binsar

Knowing that we stand together in this communion and united in prayer for God's blessing, I wish everyone a restful weekend.

From Bishops from our four member churches in Tanzania

PRAYER IN THIS HARD MOMENT OF FLOOD IN GERMANY

Almighty God our heavenly Father, we thank you for gift of life you graciously give us in this world. As we experience this unexpected flood in Germany, we all come before you our Lord to ask for your merciful hand to intervene into this difficult moment. Let your mightier hand that has no boundaries be stretched now to stop the flood. Drive back the floods and protect people and all the properties including homes. We ask you Lord to quiet the storms and chase the rain that causes this flood. We pray that the water will safely drain away so that roadways will be clear and dry.

We humbly ask you to heal all who have severely been injured in this flood.

We ask you to console all families who have lost their beloved ones. Give them eternal rest in your merciful hand.

We ask you to stretch your hand of safety and guidance upon all victims of this flood. Bless your people Oh Lord and keep them safe.

Bless all who are in the front line as responders and volunteers in the streets and hospitals working to save lives of your people Oh Lord.

Lord our Good Shepherd, we pray for the many immediate needs resulting from this flood. May volunteer and government efforts be coordinated so that there are no gaps in meeting needs.

We ask all these in your Holy Name our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Presented by

Bishop Dr. Alex Malasus – Eastern and Coastal Diocese, Dar es Salaam

Bishop Dr. Benson Bagonza – Karagwe Diocese, Kagera

Bishop Dr. Abednego Keshomshahara – North Western Diocese, Bukoba

Bishop Dr. Msafiri Mbilu – North Eastern Diocese, Lushoto-Tanga

From the General Secretary of the Eastern Coastal Diocese, Rev. Willbroad Mastai (Tanzania)

It is with great shock and sadness that we receive the news about the severe flooding that has hit parts of Germany and has cost many lives already and destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of people. We hear that even Wuppertal was affected by some heavy flooding.

On behalf of the Leadership of the Eastern and Coastal Diocese, I would like to convey our heartfelt sympathy for the tragedy that is happening in Germany. We hope and pray that everyone in the UEM Head Office in Wuppertal is safe.

Please know that we in the Eastern and Coastal Diocese stand with you in prayer and solidarity. We are praying for our Brothers and Sisters in Germany, especially in the UEM Member Churches, those who have lost loved ones or have been affected in one way or another by this disaster. May GOD give all of them strength and faith to overcome this tragedy.

We also pray for all the people who are still continuing with the rescue efforts in the affected areas. May GOD be with them, give them strength and endurance.

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” Psalm 57:1-2

Please convey this message to the General Secretary Rev. Volker Dally and also to the Leaders of the UEM Member Churches in Germany.

Yours in Christ

Rev. Willbroad Mastai ( Acting General Secretary, ELCT Eastern and Coastal Diocese)

From Rev. Dr. Pascal Bataringaya from the EPR in Rwanda

Message of solidarity

Dear sisters and brothers within the UEM family,

We have just seen the images of heavy rains that have fallen in Europe and have caused enormous damages and even the loss of lives in Germany and Belgium. Therefore, I address this message to you to express our sympathy and solidarity in these difficult times when many families are in difficult conditions, homeless, and some have lost family members and even their material possessions. We know how much people are struggling with the Covid-19 situation and its consequences, and we understand how overwhelming this situation is! In this regard, I want to address this message of encouragement to you and all those affected in one way or another.

We carry you in our thoughts and prayers and have incorporated a moment of intercession for the brothers and sisters affected by these floods into our daily prayers. Be reassured, therefore, of our solidarity and our pastoral accompaniment in these difficult moments. May God comfort you, keep his hand upon you and be with you.

Nevertheless, we cannot miss to let you know that the situation of Covid-19 in Rwanda has also become worse. The number of new cases is increasing as well as the number of deaths. In addition, the government has announced the arrival of the Delta variant in Rwanda, which is deadly. Therefore, to limit the outbreak, the government has ordered a new lockdown starting July 17, 2021 and many Churches are also closed. So let us keep praying for one another in these difficult situations.

United in prayers

Done at Kigali, 17 July 2021

Rev Dr Pascal Bataringaya (EPR President)

From Rev. Yoram Karusya, General Secretary of Karagwe Diocese (Tanzania)

Greetings from Karagwe.

I have just received the information that heavy rains have brought catastrophic flooding in Europe and at least 58 people in Germany have died. This is really disturbing!

On behalf of KAD we join our sisters and brothers in Germany and the entire Europe Continent in this difficult times of suffering ongoing heavy rains that have caused catastrophic flooding. It hurts more to hear that people have died/are dying and families will have to endure pain of losing their loved ones. We hold everyone in prayers! We pray:

- For  those who mourn their loved ones.

- For those who have to suffer to fight this natural catastrophe.

- For government authorites and all Organisatuons like UEM who organise humanitarian support those who need support.

- For UEM Churches in Germany who who have to endure this directly and have establish healing measures for the community.

- Tha God may intervain and stop this suffering.

Our Father, God and Lord of heaven and earth, hear our prayers. Amen.

Rev. Yoram Karusya (ELCT/KAD - General Secretary)

From Rev Dr. Bokundua, National President of ECC (DR Congo)

Download original letter

From the President of the CBCA; Rév. Dr Samuel NGAYIHEMBAKO MUTAHINGA (DR Congo)

Dear Lord, Almighty, Creator of earth and heaven,

Thank you for your mercy and grace upon your creatures.

We pray for our brothers and sisters in Germany who face the heavy rains that bring catastrophic flooding. We also pray for those who lost relatives in flooding. Father our Lord, comfort them and give them peace of heart in this difficult time.

Enable all UEM member churches and all people of good will to join their efforts to support German victims of flood.

We continue to pray for all those who are affected by the COVID-19 throughout the world. Our father, heal our land.

For the particular situation of the North Kivu province, we pray that the forthcoming election of the provincial president of the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) be performed peacefully for your glory.

We thank you for hearing us in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

From Rev. Dr. Butarbutar, Ephorus of HKBP (Indonesia)

Download original letter

From Prof. Rev. Dr. L. Modise, Moderator of URCSA (South Africa)

PRAYER FOR GERMAN NATION AS THEY ARE FACED WITH NATURAL DISASTER FROM URCSA

The URCSA is in solidarity with the German Nation, even though we are faced with violent situations within our country and COVID-19, we are still in hope that God almighty will intervene.

Father God the Father of our Lord Jesus we pray for peace in Africa in general and South Africa in particular at this moment.

We know You as a gracious God, the God that has control over all of your creation.

We pray for the German people who are under a severe distress because of the heavy rains that has flooded the country.

We pray that you protect your people in Europe in general and Germany in particular at this moment of distress. Lord hear our prayer.

We pray for the family that has lost their loved one because of these floods, comfort and strengthen them during this period of loss. Lord hear our prayer.

We pray that Father God you restore the sight of the ones that has disappeared during this moment of distress to reunite with their family. Lord hear our prayer.

We prayer for UEM and the entire church in Germany to have strengthen to pray, comfort, counsel and support the nation during this period of natural disaster. Lord hear our Prayer.

Amen!!!

On behalf of URCSA.

Rev Prof Dr. Leepo Modise (Moderator of the General Synod)

From Bishop Kalimba from the EAR (Rwanda)

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From Johnny Eley from the CADELU (DR Congo)

I would like here in my name and in the name of my church the CADELU, as well as of the JPIC commission, sent our prayers and a message of support to all our brothers, sisters, parents, friends, colleagues of Germany in this hard  As you go through sudden floods and put you in a difficult situation and uncertainty.

I pray that the Lord strengthens you and fills you with hope with the assurance that all of this will soon end and it will only be  'a bad remembrance that the Eternal God will turn to joy and a happy future days.

this is why I ask you to read this two books of the bible, Hebrews, 13: 5 B: for God himself has said: I will not forsake you, neither will I forsake you.  and 2corinthian 1.3-4!

we are together in heart and in spirit with you!

Kind regards

Johnny Eley

Bibiane Ciragane and  Safari Kanyena, UEM Coworkers in CDCC and CADELU (DR Congo)

To Brothers and sisters in UEM Office/Wuppertal and in the Districts of Dortmund, Iserlohn and Mettmann,
We hereby transmit you our greetings with the expression of compassion for the hard and traumatizing time you are enduring in Germany.  
In fact, we have been informed about the damages caused by floods in the region of Rhenanie and Westfalie  in terms of human death, assets' destruction, and pray that our Lord the CREATOR who commands over waters and winds restore Germany from the effects of such a natural catastrophe.
We sympathize with each of you and the whole German population in this difficult time.
Together in Christ,
Bibiane and  Safari.
 

Regional Board Africa

Dear General Secretary of UEM,

attached please find a message of solidarity from all UEM members in Africa to UEM members in Germany following the disaster of floods in Germany as signed by the Chairperson of the ARB and the Vice Moderator-Africa.

We are together with hope in God who redeems.

Bishop Dr. Abednego Keshomshahara (Vice Moderator) and Bishop Mothus Lethlage (Chaiperson AfRB).

Download original letter

Rural Development Interdiocesan Service, RDIS (Rwanda)

We have heard and seen the floods  that damaged some parts of Germany, the losses of lives , homes and other assets . We committed to hold in our prayers those who survived the tragedies and those whose relatives and friends lost their lives. May the Lord Almighty true comforter watch over you from now and evermore.  for those who passed away, may they rest in peace

Viateur Ntarindwa - RDIS

Council of Churches, PGI (Indonesia)

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