Christchurch Earthquake Relief Journal (Day 13)

God Defend New Zealand (National Anthem):

E Ihowā Atua,O ngā iwi mātou rāĀta whakarangona; Me aroha noaKia hua ko te pai; Kia tau tō atawhai; Manaakitia mai Aotearoa

Ōna mano tāngataKiri whero, kiri mā, Iwi Māori, Pākehā,Rūpeke katoa, Nei ka tono ko ngā hēMāu e whakaahu kē, Kia ora mārire Aotearoa

Tōna mana kia tū!Tōna kaha kia ū;Tōna rongo hei pakūKi te ao katoaAua rawa ngā whawhaiNgā tutū e tata mai;Kia tupu nui ai Aotearoa

Waiho tona takiwāKo te ao mārama; Kia whiti tōna rāTaiāwhio noa. Ko te hae me te ngangau Meinga kia kore kau; Waiho i te rongo mau Aotearoa

Tōna pai me toitūTika rawa, pono pū; Tōna noho, tāna tū; Iwi nō Ihowā. Kaua mōna whakamā; Kia hau te ingoa; Kia tū hei tauira; Aotearoa

As we gathered in Hagley Park early this morning with the fog giving way to the warmth of the sun, which was to set the tone for a beautiful day, a young NZ Salvation Army Officer sang their national anthem in both Maori and English. In this moment we knew we were sharing in something deeply personal and sacred.

"God of Nations at Thy feet, In the bonds of love we meet, Hear our voices, we entreat, God defend our free land."

With an anticipated crowd of 110,000 people, about 150 Salvation Army and community volunteers forming the Welfare Response Team were briefed on our role to provide pastoral and emotional support throughout the service. We walked among the people offering a reassuring smile, shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. The atmosphere was calm and reflective as people from all walks of life were drawn together by shared experiences of grief.

Sarah came to me with a deep sense of anxiety, describing her life as being like a roller coaster of emotions. Mike lost his job and house and is moving his family to Brisbane to make a fresh start. Rex reflected on the experiences he had witnessed over the past couple of weeks. George, a 75 y/o West Indian who has lived in Christchurch since 1975 is writing his story about what he heard and saw on the day of the earthquake. Christine, as single mum with two young daughters, both with birthdays during the week after the 22nd February, lost her home and is living with her mum. Two cyclists had ridden from neighbouring Belfast (suburb) for the service; they were in the city when the quake hit.

Real people, with real stories and real pain turning to each other for comfort and solace. What a deep honour and privilege to become a part of their journey and story today.