President of the Christchurch New Zealand Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jared Ormsby, said today that the people of Christchurch and surrounding towns are responding quickly and collaboratively to Monday’s 7.8 earthquake “because of their experience in handling other earthquakes over the last few years.”
“Added to that,” he said, “the way the Church is organised, we have congregational leaders and members working together and communicating in such a way that we quickly know how all our members and missionaries are doing, and we can also identify where the needs are.”
“From there, we can work together to gather water, food and other supplies, as well as provide other support such as emergency accommodation and counselling.”
President Ormsby, who has a full-time job as a partner in a law firm on top of his family and church leadership responsibilities, also said that government, community and interfaith networks are key to identifying needs and reaching out with love and help straight away.
Missionaries and members of the Church continue to gather emergency supplies this week, and working with others to get them where they are needed most.
As an example, two generators are being transported today to families whose homes have been destroyed, and their power cut off.
“It’s times like these that we all pull together across faith and community groups to serve those who need help right now,” he said.
“As challenging a time as it is for many of our neighbours and friends—especially those who have lost loved ones, sustained injuries or property damage—it is bringing the best out of us all as we strive to do as Jesus Christ would do, if He were here among us.”
President Ormsby thanked local Latter-day Saints and all others who are continuing to pray for those affected by the earthquake, and help in other ways.
“We’re also very grateful for the prayers and concern of others throughout New Zealand and overseas. We definitely feel and need that love and support.”