We are saddened by the great losses of life in the China earthquake. We are grateful to God that all the disciples in our churches are safe in the earthquake region in Si chuan province. There was no signal for a long period of time yesterday evening when I tried to call my grandmother and other relatives in hometown Si chuan and Shan xi province. We finally heard from them by SMS message. Thanks for your concern and prayer! (image from Guardian UK)

From local newspapers --

• Earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale jolted Wen Chuan County, Sichuan Province at 2:28 p.m., resulting in over 10,000 deaths reported so far. The epicenter was about 100 kilometers from the provincial capital.

• Earthquake disrupts railway transportation -- Monday's strong earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province have caused multiple landslides and collapses along railway lines near the provincial capital Chengdu, leaving 180 trains stranded on the rails.

• National rescue wokers leave Beijing for earthquake-hit Sichuan province May 12, 2008.

• Many primary school and middle school students still need to be rescued due to the destruction of their schoolhouses. About 900 teenagers were buried under a three story school building int the Sichuan city of Dujangyan.

• Chemical factories and hospitals were also destroyed, adding to the problems.

2008 has been a tough year for China!

---February: we suffered from snow disaster, numerous passengers are blocked and stopped in the rail way in our spring festival;
---March: Tibet Event, kind of challenge and criticize;
---April: Olympic Torch Pass blocked;
---April: a special EV71 Virus found in An Hui province, children in 16 province got infected, 34 killed;
---May: two trains crashed, 70 killed and over 400 injured;
---May, earthquake …
Please continue to pray for the Chinese people in 2008!!

Here is this week’s news summary – “Chinese, need to be brave to the suffering 2008, disaster can only help us get more strength and make strong of our muscles! “

As disciples we are seeking ways we can help.

Please pray with us.

Jessica -- China