This fire season calls for prayer and real help

Our prayers are with fire affected regions as a fierce bushfire season continues to unfold across Australia. Devastating fires have burned through Queensland over the last two months with others burning across the country since August.

Firefighters have battled over 1000 bushfires in Queensland in the final two weeks of October with more than 80 fires still active. Most major fires are now under control, but multiple watch and act warnings remain in place across the state.

“We pray for all people impacted by the recent bushfires and those who are coming alongside to provide immediate relief and care,” said Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis.

“Our hearts are with those places where there has been loss of life, homes and animals, with those who have had to make difficult decisions and those who continue to watch and wait.”

“May there be safety and community, and improving conditions for those on the front lines.”

Parts of South West Queensland were placed on catastrophic bushfire alert as early as September, with the Darling Downs, Granite Belt and Warrego areas the primary focus for fire danger. Catastrophic blazes have threatened lives and homes in places like Warwick, Dalveen, Tara and Wallangarra.

Emergency services were also battling over 100 fires in the south of Western Australia ignited by lightning strikes over the weekend.

In New South Wales, fires have been burning since August. At the end of October there were 87 fires and 36 out of control in places like Tenterfield, Bega Valley, Ingleburn, Mudgee and the Hunter Valley.

Four major bushfires began burning in the eastern Victorian region of Gippsland at the beginning of October.

Between September and November, more than 13 million hectares of land have been burnt in the Northern Territory with fires impacting the Barkly region and Tennant Creek.

Seven people have died in the current Australian bushfire season.

Uniting Church members who would like to support those recovering from disaster can do so through the Uniting Church National Disaster Relief Fund which supports and assists disaster affected communities in the long term.

The fund is part of the Uniting Church’s broader ministry of disaster recovery support and response, which includes direct financial relief, disaster recovery chaplaincy, peer support, targeted recovery programs and ministries provided through the councils of the Church.

Information to donate to the fund, and to apply for funding, is below.

Thank you to Uniting Church Queensland Moderator Rev Bruce Moore for this prayer, originally published on the Queensland Synod home page.

Creator God,

You breathe life into all things and made all things good.

Our land, our people, our bush, and our wildlife are hurting and suffering.
We pray for relief through rain.
Please soak our land and bring relief with rain from the heavens.

We pray for those who are enduring unimaginable injury and loss through destruction of fires. Bless them with deep comfort, consolation, and hope in these times where their loss is so keen.

We pray for our heroic firefighters and emergency services who tirelessly give of themselves whilst at times facing great personal loss themselves. Cover them with your protection and bless them and their families in this time of need.

We pray for our community leaders. Inspire them with courage and wisdom for the decisions that need to be made.

Almighty God, Your people look to you with trusting hearts and the certainty of your love.

With deep gratitude and longing, we ask you to hear our prayer. Amen.

DONATE TO THE NATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND

Direct Deposit

UFS Disaster Relief
BSB: 634634
Acct#: 100017929

Cheque

Please make your cheque payable to “UCA Assembly - National Disaster Relief Fund” and post to:

UCA Assembly - National Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box A2266 Sydney South NSW 1235

Please include a reference (for example, your surname or congregation name)

If you require a receipt, please get in touch with us.

Disaster affected places can apply for funding here.