April 5, 2024

Earthquake in Taiwan, Ukraine & NATO, Bird Flu


April 5, 2024

“Sometimes life gets too hard to stand, sometimes it’s too hard to kneel, but when you can’t do either, you pray.”

Elizabeth Elliot

Deadly Earthquake in Taiwan

Taiwan experienced its strongest earthquake in 25 years, resulting in estimated casualties of double-digit deaths, hundreds missing, and nearly 1,000 injuries. The 7.2-magnitude quake struck near Hualien, causing extensive building collapses, landslides, and power outages. The earthquake also triggered tsunami warnings in neighboring Japan and the Philippines, which were subsequently lifted. Taiwan's semiconductor production was disrupted, and concerns lingered about potential aftershocks.

Another day, another testament to creation's groaning under the weight of futility, ever since Adam's sin in the garden (Romans 8:20-22). Natural disasters serve as a sobering reminder of the brokenness of our world and our own limitations and vulnerability. They also present an opportunity to reflect on how big our Creator is. The same God who spoke the world into existence and commands all of nature is intimately present in our suffering (Genesis 1:3-5, Luke 8:25, Isaiah 43:2)

While even the ground beneath our feet cannot be trusted wholeheartedly, our God in the heavens can be (Psalm 33:4). There is firm ground to be found at the foot of the cross. And just as a house built on a solid foundation withstands the fiercest elements, so too does a life anchored in Christ (Matthew 7:24-25).

As we extend our support and prayers to those affected by natural disasters, let us also cling to the hope that transcends earthly suffering (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Let us remember that our God is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in every detail of our lives (Psalm 139:1-4). May we find strength and courage in knowing that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

By: Jamie Wilder

Ukraine “Will” Join NATO

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, attended NATO's 75th anniversary celebration. While no official pledge was made to extend Ukraine membership in the 32-country alliance, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken declared in an interview with the press that "Ukraine will join NATO." Ukraine's exclusion from the alliance has been a tension point in light of its urgent requests for weapons and support to combat Russian attacks. 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg affirmed support for Ukraine's eventual membership, but there remains a lack of diplomatic momentum to expedite the process beyond previous commitments. 

There is a lot at play in the Russia/Ukraine/NATO conversation, and we must consistently pray for the leaders and lawmakers assessing and operating within the conflict (1 Timothy 2:1-4). At a high level, we do know that there is blessing in the abundance of counselors (Proverbs 11:4), Ukraine, and any country, would be wise to seek the counsel and comfort of a good alliance. There are also warnings in Scripture about choosing allies and making alliances with great caution (Leviticus 18:3-4, Leviticus 20:22-23). With an aggressor as looming as Russia and a leader with as clear of intentions as Putin, we must pray for peace to reign in our world and be busy about the King's business (Luke 12:35-40) as wars and rumors of wars abound (Matthew 24:6). 

By: Kirby Mankin

Human Contracts Bird Flu

A person in Texas has been diagnosed with a highly virulent strain of bird flu, marking the first case since the recent virus detection in dairy cattle across several states. It's uncertain whether the individual contracted the virus from infected dairy cows or a common source, likely dead waterfowl found on the property. Despite this, officials emphasize that public concern should remain low, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assesses the overall human health risk as minimal. While cases of this strain in humans are rare but potentially fatal, ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts, including vaccination stockpiles and antiviral treatments, are in place to mitigate any potential spread and ensure public safety.

If our nation has learned anything over the last four years, it should be that fear does not make a good master (Matthew 6:27). Breaking news, governmental agencies, and modern medicine offer vital services and important purposes for the common good when they operate as they should (Romans 13:4). When "breaking" news is leveraged to break people down in fear, governmental agencies overreach, lack competency, or lose trust, and modern medicine becomes money-driven (1 Timothy 6:10), they are more likely to prevent human flourishing than contribute to it. We are thankful that our God feeds even the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26), owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), and is the Divine Physician, sovereign over every disease (Matthew 9:12).

By: Kirby Mankin

Other news you should know

🌑 Will your city have clear skies for the solar eclipse on Monday?

🫴🏻 Chicago mayor has a big request for Biden.

🤕 Cancer-causing chemicals found in Band-Aids, per study.

👮🏻 Four more pro-lifers thrown in jail and tagged with fines.

🏢 There's a lot that is wrong with the Biden DOJ.

🛒 “Just Walk Out” is being rolled back.

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