Recent Disasters
The month of December 2021 saw several major disasters in our region. Mt. Semeru volcano erupted in Indonesia, the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Rai and Malaysia had some unprecedented flooding. This article will attempt to inform us Christians how we should view such calamities/disasters and perhaps how we can support the people afflicted by them.
Facts of Creation
One thing we must remember from the start is that this earth we live in is alive. It is not placid and dead like all the other planets and moons. A live organism will breathe, ‘cough’, ‘vomit’, ‘heave’ and ‘sigh’; this is the earth which our God created, not a lifeless place. This place we live in is a beautifully designed entity and God placed man in the midst of it, to live and survive it and continue to worship and trust in the Lord’s providential power.
Geography of the Land
In the context of our region, we will notice that this created space is geographically designed with various naturally occurring events. The Pacific Ring of Fire (ROF) covers the regions of Indonesia and the Philippines, amongst other countries. Here the Eurasian-Indo/Australian and Pacific tectonic plates are active. The movement of the plates forms volcanoes which can erupt and cause tsunamis. If you are living in the ROF, it’s only a matter of time before such events occur. Indonesia is the most volcanic place on earth; in this archipelagic nation, there are 147 volcanoes of which 76 are active. The Philippines falls within what is called the Typhoon Belt and is buffeted by an average of 20 storms a year. When these storms make headway, it will result in massive rain - and we will see flooding and winds that cause huge destruction.
Consequences
Some of us will recall the disaster on Dec 26, 2004 when a powerful earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia set off a tsunami across the Indian Ocean coastline. Amongst the worst hit was Thailand. Overall, 260,000 people were killed in several countries. Sadly, many who died did not know the Lord cf. 2 Thess 1:8.
Natural disasters cause untold pain and suffering and death. Homes and harvests, livelihoods and infrastructure are wiped out in an instant, costing hundreds of millions worth of damages. Destruction was worse upon poor and already impoverished nations, such as the Philippines, Bangladesh, India and others. Unsteadily and weakly constructed buildings will be the first to be destroyed. Jesus talks about buildings and foundations in Mat 7:24-27. We, of course, realise that the poor who live in disaster-prone areas prone to extreme weather events bear the brunt of the consequences, and this is not their fault.
Man-made/Man-contributed Disasters
It is wise for us to also consider these natural disasters in the context of man’s power to influence circumstances. In countries which have been struck by storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding etc., we can see evidence and the impact of man’s actions. Compare a catastrophic disaster in Japan and how quickly it can recover, to the weaker plans and slower responses of the countries in our region. Not all disasters are natural, and at times man’s actions have caused or exacerbated bad conditions.
Negligence – Having endured disasters in the past, yet did not plan adequately.
Poor safety and evacuation plans.
Weak responses and coordination, lack of solid plans to face disaster.
Corruption, money diverted elsewhere instead of building strong infrastructure.
Weak storm defences; lack or failure of warning systems.
Biblical Times
A reading of the OT and NT will reveal that there were floods, earthquakes and storms naturally occurring even in those times, but on several of these occasions, the bible reveals to us that these were directly the action of God to show His power and His displeasure at the actions of man. In the last days, Jesus referred to the earthquakes, famine and pestilences as evidences of things to expect (Lk 21:11, Mat 24:7, Mk 13:8). The present natural disasters are not world-wide events and drawing such conclusions is to go beyond the Word of God, as some false prophets profess.
Blame God Syndrome
Some misguided ‘preachers’ are fond of attributing natural disasters to God, and that it shows God is punishing mankind. These views do more harm than good and can result in people questioning God and blaming the Almighty. Today, God does not communicate through disasters, and so they should not fan such doctrines. Notwithstanding the facts, 61% of Americans in 2011 believed that natural disasters are God’s way of testing our faith.
The Church and the Christian
Fact – Both Christian and non-Christian will suffer the consequences of natural disasters. Both will die when a volcanic eruption or a flood takes place. This emphasises the importance of being prepared to face God in death. How should one who endures such heart-breaking events behave towards his Maker? ‘Curse God and die’ (as Job’s wife had urged him to), or try to pick up the pieces and thank God and move on.
Perhaps it is easy for us in Singapore to look at these events and shake our heads and continue to live our lives, since they did not directly impact us (except for Covid-19). The geography of this region protects our tiny island, the larger neighbouring countries shields us from major disasters such as storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions. We can be thankful to God for being able to live under such circumstances.
Our Response
Many will ask, “Where is God when natural/man-made disasters happen?” He is the same God who knows even when a sparrow falls – Mat 10:29-31. He knows and He cares. Points to note: Even in such hardship, the following points can help us understand disaster and remind us how we can be Christians in hard times:
God has warned us of trials and testing of faith – James 1:2-4,12.
It gives us opportunities to show compassion and kindness.
We can see the good of mankind displayed when they come together to help each other, regardless of race, language or religion.
Hardship presents an opportunity for individuals and groups to assist the afflicted, and for the whole church to send aid to afflicted Christians and others around the world (Gal 6:10). In doing so we show the love of God to all.
Do not grow weary in doing good - Gal 6:9. We should avoid the thought that we cannot do more.
Understand the brevity of life. Here today, gone tomorrow – James 4:14.
Conclusion
It is my hope and belief that we Christians have a role to play in natural catastrophic events and we should come together to encourage and support our Christian brethren and our fellow man. We are blessed here in Singapore, and we thank God for that. Open our hearts and wallets to the pain and anguish of others.