As I write this tonight the State of Queensland and parts of northern New South Wales are facing some of the worst flooding in almost 40 years. Currently the death toll stands at 9 and there are at least 66 people missing, upwards of 50,000 people from around 100 towns have been evacuated and around 200,000 people in total have been evacuated. An area the size of Germany and France combined, or 3-4 times the size of New Zealand is affected. In the coming days it is expected that more people will be affected, more towns flooded, and the death toll to rise.

There are many dramatic photos, stories and videos being played out in the media of the current crises in Queensland. And while it is fascinating to get caught up in the media frenzy can it also be asked of you to take time out to pray for those caught up the disaster that people will be found alive, that lives can be rebuilt, and that the levies and dams will hold.

$32 million has already been raised in donations towards flood relief, but much more is needed and if you can donate please do so here: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Update: If you are in Brisbane the police need volunteers to help to urgently fill sandbags. There is more information here.

There is a song about Australia, written 20 years ago, called “The Great Southland” and some of the lyrics seem quite appropriate tonight.

This is the Great South-land
Of the Holy Spirit
A land of red dust plains
And summer rains
To this sunburnt land
We will see a flood
And to this Great South-land
His Spirit comes.