On the afternoon of February 22nd, 2011, Bro. Matthias Thiel, New Zealand Field Leader, reported that we have two members and one regular church visitor living in the area of Christchurch. All are safe. We are told that the church visitor was staying in a two storey building, and as the earthquake struck, rushed down outside, only to see the SDA Independent Samoan church next door come crashing down right before his eyes.
Two days after the earthquake, Bro. Mathias Thiel reported “We thank the Lord, we have been in touch with our other Sister this morning and she and her children are safe and well. The aftershocks are still regular and unnerving for them; they are quite emotional over the whole experience but are praising God for His love and protection over them. The whole of NZ seems in a state of shock and are thankful for the support and help that is coming in from other parts of the world in rescue missions.”
Bro. Thiel reports today (Friday 11 March, 2011) that thousands are leaving Christchurch, with whole suburbs abandoned, more than likely never to be rebuilt.
Dynamic Map of Christchurch Earthquake as it happened: http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz