Skip to main content

UPDATED: God's Faithfulness During Earthquakes and Natural Disasters

After feeling the whole house shake for a few minutes tonight, and checking the Salvadoran earthquake report, I am soberly reminded of the volatile world that we live in, and our need for God's grace.

 The earthquake, felt here, was a magnitude 8.0 earthquake, near Palmercito, Chiapas, Mexico. Thinking of our Mexican brothers and sisters, and remembering God's words in Romans 8: 
For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!  For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope  that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now. 
And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons—the redemption and transformation of our body [at the resurrection]. For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure.
In April, this year, I wrote the following: "Last evening, we stood by the door as a family, looking out at the storm, having just felt an earthquake. We had an emergency bag packed (with first aid kit, snacks, Emergency survival kit, etc) and then were talking about what we would do if another stronger earthquake happened... but then the rain stopped, we felt like there wasn't going to be a big one in that moment and we proceeded to clean up the flooded floors, eat our dinner and get kids ready for bed.

At bedtime, my sons were full of peace and my daughters were feeling nervous (the two year old picking up on the 5 year old's nerves I think). my 8 year old son said,   "mommy, do you know why I'm not afraid of anything? Because I know that God is bigger and in control and He is good and does everything for a good purpose" - out of the mouths of  babes, eh? 

My 5 year old daughter wanted a cuddle and to read the Bible for assurance, and also wanted to know why there are earthquakes- we read and talked about Matthew chapters 6 & 24 and also Romans 8 (28). And we talked about the fact that Jesus is coming SOON and that when we feel tremors, it is like the earth having contractions (they have felt my contractions when in labour and can relate to that). Knowing that Jesus is coming soon (whether tonight or in another thousand years) it is a reminder to be READY, to REJOICE, to WORSHIP, and to live our lives ENJOYING Him and sharing the Gospel... 

But, what if there is an earthquake and I am separated from my kids  (if they are at an art class in San Salvador and I am on the other side of the volcano at our home, for example)- my son and I talked about that, and he is ready to help his sister to remember worship songs and to pray together and to wait and trust God - even if it takes days before finding out if we are all ok- and if we are not all ok, like the man who died on our usual route yesterday - God didn't accidentally let that boulder fall- that man's days were numbered. All of our days are numbered. And, scriptures like Psalm 91 are not a guarantee that danger won't hit my house -  it IS a guarantee that if it does, God has allowed it and is with me in it.

Like in Psalm 46- read it again, it sounds like an earthquake! Though the earth change and mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas... GOD IS OUR REFUGE &  STRENGTH, a very present (& well proved) help in trouble- THEREFORE, we will NOT fear!

I imagine the Israelites, with plagues all around them and then experiencing the Passover and the exodus- how awing/horrible/amazing that must have been! Yet to know that in the midst of it all, God is a REDEEMER, Slow to anger and abounding in love!

We serve a GOOD God, full of LOVE! May we live every moment and every detail of our lives, in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ... and not be alarmed or intimidated in anything (not just from persecution or the enemy's plans, but from natural disasters too - talking with my children last night, another point was that Satan does not have the power to make an earthquake or volcanic eruption or storm, THAT is the power of OUR GOOD GOD! And we can REST in HIM. 

He has also given us everything that we need for LIFE AND GODLINESS (2 Peter1:3)- and He understands our emotions and fears and bids us to come and to cast our cares on Him.

Our bedtime song was about casting our cares upon the Lord...He doesn't demand that we come to Him in perfection, but to come as we are and His perfect love casts out fear! We have been granted the privilege not only to believe but also to suffer for His sake- preparing us for and declaring to the world the truth of eternity. If that suffering comes from natural disasters may our response show the world who God is...

Rest and worship and meditate on His Word - and if needed use the things He has given for life, like chamomile and other herbs, to calm your nerves- but trusting IN Him and His goodness! "


Be blessed! 

Reader’s Favourites

reflections on airports and travel (written in 2003)

Departures Written by Charity Pilkey, April 2003  To every photograph, there exits the negative from which the subject was derived. And here stand many subjects. Some would think themselves the photographer, or more defined as the photojournalist. Others, of course, are the born model. While some still, would rather not be depicted as either. But all are indeed, to me and my purpose, if not in reality  the subject. The subjects in a photograph taken here, before each one’s destination, and yet also, after their arrival. Each one has a negative; a strip like that of a comic, but more properly described as a slide-show. And whether their departure is but for a little while or if it is expected to be for an eternity, there will exist forever in their mind’s eye, this place of departure and the happenings that brought them here. This place where everyone holds ready their passport, will be stamp now in each one’s  life passport . A stamp which cannot be erased....
Read more

listening and writing habits

So, I haven’t written a blog post in 4 months (!) and have also taken a 2 week break from other writing/editing/website work…so, I need to practice putting words on paper (or on a screen) before getting back to work… These past several months have been full of growth, challenges, and blessings, and I am SO thankful for God’s mercies which are new every morning, and for His people who encourage me/us. Some lessons seem to be life-long, and God keeps on bringing me back to grow even more in areas of my life that I thought had already been matured. And, as is always the case, He uses the people around me (like my littles!) and His Word to challenge and sanctify! I am so glad that it is GOD who promises to complete the work that HE began in me! Lately, I have been so encouraged by making it a habit to listen to podcasts and imusic audio studies, and to also put on either worship music or preaching (usually with headphones/earbuds in just one ear, so I am still “present”). It i...
Read more

Reflections on Rwanda from 2004

A City on A Hill Written by Charity Pilkey, January 2004, after visiting Rwanda ( the land of a thousand hills ) Teardrops falling on a thousand hills Somehow invisible Footprints marching on a thousand hills Somehow silent Bloodstains rolling on a thousand hills Somehow transparent Echoes crying on a thousand hills Somehow muffled Tears that fell, now fall from mourners Survivors march to make new prints Blood now dried, remains a vivid reminder New cries resound on a thousand hills So, if you are remaining Keep walking and learning Keep striving and yearning For His light to shine brilliantly From this land of a thousand hills.
Read more

Did God REALLY say He created everything in 6-morning-to-evening (literal) days? Is it essential to Christian Ministry & Education that He did?

The Father’s Heart Foundation’s beliefs and core values (link at bottom) , as well as our vision for Christian education and discipleship, are founded not just on a general “Christian” belief system and moral code, but are grounded in a biblical worldview -a complete, biblical world view that begins with Genesis. I will add footnotes * for a few points, but for others, you may use your own research to check - also, as a note, most of my knowledge on this subject is from personal research over several years - hence the lack of footnotes ;) .   In creating a culture - with a goal of creating a biblical and godly culture- we need a blueprint and a foundation... As is needed in creating anything from a lego structure to an apartment building, we all need a blue print, and we need to start with a solid foundation. We need an understanding of God’s Word for a solid biblical foundation. So, then, as Christians, we need to know “what is foundational”? What is “fundamental”? And...
Read more

Father's Heart Coffee

Father’s Heart Coffee gives 100% profits to The Father’s Heart Village in El Salvador. With every sip, you empower us to sustainably care for the holistic needs of orphaned children.   Lets us know if YOU want to try our coffee! It is: -Shade grown -High Altitude (Apeneca) -Pacamara -Honey Process -Organic -Dark, Medium or Blonde Roast AND, for every pound of coffee sold, we can purchase 30 blocks for building a future of hope! We can ship coffee to you anywhere in North America! Order via our Canadian Website - donate page (more order options coming soon too!): www.fhfcanada.ca And, don't forget to order your copy of our book! Proceeds help our family to care for fatherless children in El Salvador & Uganda! Amazon Author Page
Read more

Walking the path marked out - by Charity Okurut (early 2000's)

No matter what the circumstances, no matter the happenings, know this: He holds you in the palm of His hands and He has wonderful plans for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future. Along the way, don’t look down so long that you don’t see the road ahead. Don't keep your head up so high that you don’t see the path, and so trip and fall. Don’t look back so long that you forget where you are going, nor keep your eyes fixed so far ahead that you forget where you came from, and what made you who you are today. Memorize the faces of those travelling alongside you. Identify those who need your help and recognize those who need to help you.  And no matter what - never give up! ~ Charity Okurut nee Pilkey
Read more

Old Poem about being pressured into Abortion, thinking about "Eradicating suffering through abortion"...

There are so many reasons that a woman choses to have an abortion...our family has worked closely with Crisis Pregnancy Centres and I have heard many stories... but it is the very odd woman who actually has a personal desire to end a pregnancy and who actually believes that what she is doing is morally right. But, there are entire nations who have brainwashed their citizens into thinking that in some cases it really is the best option... Below is a poem that I wrote about a particular case, a VERY long time ago...her case was unique in that she was not just being pressured by society nor financial or other life circumstances, but she was in an abusive relationship and being pressured into having a late-term abortion, by the baby's father. We named her, "Prayer". Not all cases are like this, and every case, like every person is unique. But, regardless, my personal belief is that there is never a situation where abortion is the answer. And, if you think that you are in a ...
Read more

“Palm Sunday”. Thinking about Worship, “social distancing” & examining ourselves and our Gospel message

Psalm 139:23, 24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?  Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem by a crowd full of people singing and rejoicing over miracles. When Nicodemus came to Jesus and said that they (the Jewish leaders) knew that He must be from God because of the signs/miracles, Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)  The Jewish people had been waiting for the Messiah, and the entire Old Testament is full of messianic prophesies - on the road to Emmeaus, after His resurrection, Jesus went through the entire scripture to teach that it was all about Himself. The mes...
Read more

Rats - living and even sleeping with rats - a lesson in being thankful!

Rats are one of the most resilient rodents on this globe. They take care of their orphaned young, and they survive on whatever they can find, and in whatever nests they can make – all over the globe. Both of my sisters had had experiences with rats (in Canada and in Uganda), and while I had seen the odd rat at a distance, I had never had to deal with living with them –let-alone sleeping with them! At home in the village there is a small variety of rat (from my limited knowledge of rodents, I would have called them mice). There are several problems with having rats around, but aside from their stealing food, and possibly spreading disease, if not just urinating on personal belongings (such as children’s car seats being stored in a hut!), they attract snakes. So, when we had a tribe of rats, numbering in the hundreds, living close to our hut, and after having one of them drown in our drinking water (inside our hut – such a horrible sound to wake up to!), we destroyed their ma...
Read more