Destruction in China and Taiwan

Typhoon Nepartak left destruction in its wake as it plowed through China and Taiwan last week. Nearly 200 people were killed in China, 50,000 homes collapsed and over 1.6 million people were displaced (Telegraph, July 7, 2016). The storm affected over 32 million people in 26 provinces (Bangkok Post, July 11, 2016). In Taiwan, three people were killed, 300 people were injured and many millions in estimated damages occurred (China Daily, July 9, 2016).

Sometimes the sheer volume of destruction obscures the individual suffering that occurs in major disasters. As Christians, we need to put on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) and strive to develop the concern and compassion that reflects the behavior of the Savior of the world (Matthew 23:37; John 4:42). Long ago, Jesus warned that as we approach the end of the age, there would be increasing natural disasters that include “the sea and the waves roaring” (Luke 21:25). As we see more widespread suffering, we need to grow in our concern for the peoples of this world (Matthew 5:4; Ezekiel 9:4).

For more information about future weather events, be sure to read Who Controls the Weather?