We did not mention the disastrous situation in north Brazil when we wrote our email update yesterday. Are we becoming jaded or what? Thousands of people chased out of their homes in several states as the rains continue and the rivers flood and flow through entire towns. Some have died from drowning or in landslides. Hundreds of trucks stranded on their way, unable to bring their products north because bridges are out and sections of road washed away. Fruits and vegetable prices already doubled as produce rots on the trucks. General food shortages beginning in our city of 800,000. March and April are the seasonal rainy months but this year the rain gauges already registered double the normal amount. Global warming the culprit? Perhaps a contributing factor as clouds carry more warm moisture from the ocean inland.
Our seminary director took some students along in a Civil Defense truck to hand out clothing and food staples to some families in temporary shelters in precarious conditions in an area of our city. Was the stuff donated a couple weeks ago at our school. He showed his photos in chapel yesterday with the distribution report. We prayed for God to have mercy on these folks but shouldn't we do more? If this calamity had happened in the U. S., it would have international coverage. Brazilian President Lula has come to view the area and promised more government aid but such help takes considerable time to reach the people. Churches and businesses are responding but it seems so little for such great need. Yesterday and today we had more sun than rain where we live. Perhaps that is the answer: pray that the rains diminish soon? Also, purchase more food staples to donate...
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