[快訊]長老教會關心紐西蘭地震

紐西蘭南島「基督城」今日（2011年2月22日）上午發生規模6.3地震，位於市中心的教堂倒塌，災情嚴重，傳出已有60多人死亡，傷亡人數恐繼續增加，當地已進入緊急狀態。紐西蘭長老教會也發出代禱信，請教會兄姊一同代禱。

台灣基督長老教會總會議長賴顯章牧師、總幹事張德謙牧師刻正於美國進行拜會行程，知悉震災之嚴重，立刻指示普世辦公室撰寫慰問信函給本會夥伴教會紐西蘭長老教會，並密切注意該地區之最新情況，呼籲本會兄姊持續關心及代禱。

慰問信全文如下：

ATTN: The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Rt. Rev. Peter Cheyne
Moderator General Assembly

The Very Rev. Dr. Graham Redding
former Moderator

Rev. Martin Baker
Assembly Executive Secretary

The Very Rev. Pamela Tankersley
Global Mission Coordinator

Rev. Stuart Vogel
Secretary, Council of Asian Congregations

Dear Friends

In the aftermath of today&amprsquos fatal earthquake in Christchurch we send you these few words of deep condolences and concern. &nbspWe continue to follow the news reports which indicate the magnitude of the quake and we understand that more than sixty persons to date have lost their lives but there are real fears the numbers could raise as the emergency recovery work continues.

We appreciate you have much to do at this point but we wanted to let you know sisters and brothers in Taiwan mourn with you and pray for the victims and families. &nbspNot to mention the major tasks ahead for your people and government in the coming weeks and months.

It is even more real and personal to us when we recall it is but a few months ago we had the privilege of attending your General Assembly meeting in Christchurch &ampndash at that time we were thankful the damage from last September&amprsquos earthquake was mostly to property.&nbsp

We will wait further word from you once the situation becomes clearer.

Our hearts and prayers are with you all – the Lord be your strength, wisdom and comforter.

Sincerely yours in Christ

Rev. Lai Hsien-Chang (Benjamin)&nbsp
Moderator PCT 55th General Assembly

Rev. Chang Te-Chien (Andrew)
PCT General Secretary

（攝影：張德謙）