Till today the Ecumenical Center and the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau are reciving letters and prayers of solidarity for the victims of the flood desasters.
This morning we received a letter from the Communion of Churches in Indonesia:
The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) writes this letter to express deep concern and sincerest condolences over the loss of life and devastating impact of floods in some respected regions. We present our deepest sympathies to the people affected by this natural calamity. Please
know that you’re very close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May almighty God give you strength and bless to cope with this challenging time, especially amid the Coronavirus Pandemic, as Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippi 4:13).
Partner Churches around the world in Africa, Asia, Europe and the US are taking an interest in the bad weather in our country and expressing their sympathy. In the past, it was almost always the other way round. The Bishop of the Protestant Diocese of Amritsar, Pradeep Kumar Samantaroy, wrote to Hessen-Nassau: „We are deeply saddened by the devastating effects of the floods in Germany. May God grant his peace to the bereaved and healing to the injured.“ The Bishop of East Kerala Diocese in India wrote: „We are concerned about the news of the floods in Germany. Hope everyone is safe and well. Be assured of our prayers.“
In a powerful prayer Bishop Benson Bagonza from the Lutheran Karagwe Diocese, asked: „Lord, calm the storms, catch the rain that is causing this flood.“ A message also came from the Lutheran Diocese of Karagwe in Tanzania: „We pray for those who have lost their loved ones or are missing in one way or another. We pray for God to protect his people.“
Daniel Ženatý, Synodal Senior of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren in the Czech Republic wrote: „With shock and deep regret we follow the tragic events of the flood disaster in your country. We pray for you and also invite all sisters and brothers in our church and in the whole Czech ecumenical community to pray and show solidarity.“ Marek Izdebski, Bishop of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland confessed: „In this difficult time we want to express our brotherly and sisterly concern and be by your side in prayer, in good thoughts, in sorrow and pain, but also in trust and faith.“
In telephone calls and video conferences, many other partner churches also expressed their shock and sympathy and emphasised that they were praying for the victims and their relatives.