[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
[2] Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
(Psalm 46:1-2 ESV)
This morning, around three A.M.we woke up suddenly from a deep sleep.
It wasn’t from the earthquake…it was from a phone call. My pastor friend Giorgio, from L’Aquila called to see if we were safe. You may remember the devastating 2009 earthquake that killed over 300 people in L’Aquila and left people homeless for months.
I’m embarrassed to admit, much like Jonah during the storm, we slept right through an earthquake that was so strong that it was felt through much of the Italian peninsula, and whose epicenter was less than fifty miles from our house. At least thirteen people have died, according to what I am seeing now on the news.
Norcia, a city that is reached by our radio and that you may remember for one of the cities I have reached through my music playing, was one of the most affected.
Amatrice, the city known for Spaghetti all’Amatriciana, one Italy’s quintessential dishes, was left in ruins.
So where does this leave us? It leaves us desperately needing your prayers. Italians need to hear the only news that can comfort them and give them solid ground, when all around them their foundations are crumbling.
Please pray that we can make the most of every opportunity!
Thankful that you and your family are safe! We will be praying for opportunities for you to share the comfort of God through His Word!!
Praying for opportunities to witness and praising God you are safe!
Praying for you as you minister both physically and spiritually to those who need both. God gave you great peace and protection as He gave you sleep during the earthquake….much like Jesus in the boat rather than Jonah!
Praying for you and your ministry. Glad you are safe. May God give you many open doors and strength and wisdom as you walk through them.
Praying for you and the cities and people affected by this. Is there needs that can be provided for? Of course it would take a while to get to Italy from iowa. God bless and know you’re being prayed for.
I know you don’t remember me, but I went to school with Jeremy, Josh and Liz. When I heard about the earthquake, my thoughts went directly to your entire family and hoped you were all okay.
We prayed for you when we saw the news! Thankful you are safe. Gary and Patti L. from Newaygo Baptist
Or team here in Ingelheim, Germany prayed for you tonight and will continue to pray for you
Hang in there, Jon. God is using you there in Italy….Tim Hoganson, Alpine Baptist Church, Comstock Park, MI
Although we have not met face to face, your family have been in my daily talk with my Lord and Savior. I am a member of Alpine Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. MI. I will continue to pray for you and the people you are trying to reach with the Lord’s good news.
Thanking the LORD of all Creation. May this open some doors for God’s Kingdom…
Praying for you at Alpine Baptist Church.
Praise God that you could sleep through an earthquake! Now you will be rested to be a help to others. May God bless your endeavors. Our prayer group prays for you every month. Your friend, Carol