The faith of the Peruvian people

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N18233879.htm

Peruvians weep at church statues that survive quake
18 Aug 2007 21:34:38 GMT18 Aug 2007 21:34:38 GMT ## for search indexer, do not remove-->
Source: Reuters

(snips from article):
PISCO, Peru, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Peruvian earthquake survivors on Saturday wept and hugged statues of Jesus Christ and Catholic saints dug out intact from the rubble of a church where at least 150 people died three days earlier.

Desperate and ragged residents, most of them hungry people who haven't slept under a roof since the quake, thronged around the Christ statue in amazement as it was carried in procession into the square by half a dozen men in hard hats and masks.
The survival of the religious figures gave people hope and something to celebrate in their desolation in this predominantly Catholic country.
"The Lord is present here with us, along with the saints, it's a miracle they weren't destroyed," said Amelia Ugaz de Aria, 69, whose home was flattened by the earthquake.

Lourdes Girau, 42, sobbed as she kneeled before Jesus and with a rag dusted off the wooden cross he was staked to.
"The fact that he's here, shows Jesus continues to live to fight so much tragedy," Girau said.
Townspeople rushed to hold the hands of San Clemente or caress the face of Jesus, their fingers tracing the painted blood stains streaming down his skin.

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I marvel at, but am not surprised, at the faith of these poor people who have suffered so much loss. The Lord is with them, and is counting on the government and agencies to get food, water, blankets, care and comfort to the people as soon as possible, to be his physical hands for them.

Compare this to the much of the western reaction to disaster, when talk show hosts cannot wait to ask anyone who has suffered a loss "How can you believe in God after this?" To the credit of the people being interviewed, they usually try to patiently explain that worldly suffering does not decrease their faith, but rather, increases their understanding that love of the Lord is the one thing that they can count on in life.

Prayers and blessings for the earthquake survivors and hopes that they will receive loving material care very soon. I'd fly a helicopter or drive a truck myself if I could!