The Croatian earthquake

 Dear friends,

we would like to quickly inform you about the earthquakes in Croatia that happened this week.
As you notice, we are well and okay, thanks be to God. On Monday morning around 6.30 we were suddenly woken up by a violent shaking of our bed and doors. A few minutes later, another quake happened. We first checked with our family in Zagreb to see if it happened again in their area, since they already experienced one earlier this year in March (a 5,3 followed by a 4,8). They did feel it more than we did and were unharmed, but the epicentrum this time was near the city of Petrinja in Mid Croatia, that experienced almost the full force of a 5,5 earthquake. Because it was such a shallow earthquake, it could be felt almost throughout all of Croatia ("only" 10 km underground). Getting woken up by an earthquake was a very unpleasant feeling.

Unfortunately, a day later around 12.30 pm, another, even stronger earthquake occurred, this time it was a 6,3, followed by several 4+ quakes. Our wardrobe was shaking very badly as well as our lamps, and walls. We gathered together in the hallway waiting and praying. It felt like someone had just taken our building into his hands and was shaking it back and forth like crazy. After about 20/30 seconds the first big one passed, and then another, weaker one came. So from Monday till today there have been almost 100 3+ earthquakes in Croatia, some which we also felt from a distance of over 50 kilometres away from the epicentrum. Honestly, I cannot imagine how much stronger the whole world must have shaken for people in Petrinja and surrounding areas, when we at such a distance from it here felt it so much! And experts say, the aftershocks will be going on for months until the ground will quiet down. Or, an even bigger earthquake could happen. It is unlikely but not out of the question. Quakes are unpredictable.

People have lost their homes, some their lives, others are hurt, not just physically but also mentally. There is trauma and fear present. But there is at least (financial) help coming from everywhere. The ban on trespassing the provinces has been temporarily lifted. Now people and organizations from all over Croatia are bringing in necesarry goods, campers, tents, food, anything the people need now. Many other countries are donating money. It is amazingly wonderful. Tragedy often brings people closer together. 

A miracle that we heard about the day before yesterday was the miraculous rescue of the daughter of a friend who is just about to take the first steps with Jesus. During the strong quake she was in an elevator and everyone thought it was going to fall down. It was on the 5th floor and the elevator had already dropped to the 4th. But then "someone" opened the door on the 4th floor and the girl was able to climb out without getting a scratch. Hallelujah! We are certain that such miracles have accumulated here in the last few days. God does not save us from our problems, but He walks with us through them. So we, too, have to decide to not to give in to fear, to give it into God's hands. We cannot let ourselves be intimidated by this! For 

"God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of self-discipline." (2. Tim. 1:7)

"Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Ps. 62: 1-2)

And this is what we should all write into the palms of our hands for 2021 and the coming years.

May God increase your fearless faith and may His Holy Spirit keep you loyal to our King Jesus, whom every knee will bow down to on heaven and earth!Maranatha!!!