I write this pastoral letter conscious that all of us have followed the Pike River mining situation as it has unfolded, and have grappled with the sudden end that arrived with the second explosion. As we have watched, we have been conscious of the stress on all those directly involved. Now they grapple with the confirmation of the loss of life. No doubt you have been praying for them. I thank you for that and encourage you to continue.
The Pike River tragedy is just terrible. The loss of so many lives after the frustration of not being able to move sooner to attempt a rescue has meant that the nation, the families and all involved held onto hope only to have that suddenly extinguished. We grieve with them, most of us unable to imagine what it is really like.
The families and friends, those who have been part of the rescue teams, the mining officials and everyone else involved need our ongoing prayers.
It has been good to see the churches playing a key role and to see clergy regularly being consulted by the media. They have done a fantastic job and will have more to do yet. Besides funerals, there is the support of the community at a time when it is under severe strain. Please continue to pray for them, including Thelma Efford and Lyn Heine who are the lay appointees in the Uniting Church in Greymouth.
I have been in touch with them and offered my help and the help of the Church. I am very grateful to them for the work they are doing. The churches are working together in this situation, which is great.
Thelma asked me to pass on that they appreciate your prayer support, and would also appreciate any resources you might have in terms of working with people in similarly difficult situations. She says they are focusing on being compassionate, offering a listening ear and expressing an honest desire to help those affected through the many changes they will face.
A Pike River Miners' Relief Fund Trust has been established by the Grey District Council for the families of the 29 men who died, with donations accepted at any branch of Westpac.
Please do continue to pray that God will miraculously bring good things out of this tragedy.
Yours in Christ,
Peter Cheyne
Moderator