Inferno

On Saturday, city folk complained about faulty air-conditioners when not too far away, country folk were crying for lost life, possessions and property. I was one of those city dwellers, except more comfortable within a freezing office. I didn't realize how extensive and severe the bushfires had become until reading the news today. Two towns wiped out from the 46deg weather and crazy winds. At present, up to 170 (death toll rising) deaths and thousands of homes destroyed. A couple reported about how they returned from a trip to the grocery store to find their house in flames. People trapped at home, families burned upon attempting to escape in their cars, forced evacuation within minutes, farmers losing their crops and livestock...nothing less than devastating. And to think that all this happened so close to home--the worst bushfires in Australian history having occurred in the state of Victoria. Full story

A close friend of mine who now lives in Korea has informed me that one of his best friends lost her brother, her brother's girlfriend and the girlfriend's own brother in the bushfire. They were trapped at home but managed to call family to say goodbye before dying. In times like these, there's nothing left to do but to pray for God's support. Don't take a prayer for granted. One prayer, even if you don't personally know anyone who is affected by the bushfires, counts.