The letter below was sent this past week by Bishop Mark Latimme of Alaska regarding the 7 plus Earthquake near Anchorage. Remarkably, no one died, and very few injuries were reported. The biggest need is for structural engineers to check out their buildings as you will see in the note. If you know of any in your congregation, who might be willing to spend some time there, let me know. I would be willing to cover their expenses if they could provide this service for Alaska. Without a doubt, keep them all in your prayers +Greg
Dear Colleagues,
A blessed Advent to all.
Thank you for your prayers and expressions of concern following the earthquake in the Anchorage/Mat-Su area of the Diocese of Alaska. Anchorage/Mat-Su is the most densely populated area of Alaska. We have 7 parishes in the area (Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, and 4 in Anchorage). I am grateful to be able to report that there were no serious injuries and no loss of life as a direct result of the earthquake.
I ask your continuing prayers for the disquieted spirits of so many who are still finding it difficult to sleep, and especially so as after-shocks persist. There have been over 1,000 tremors experienced since last Friday's 7.2 earthquake, many of these after-shocks registering a magnitude of 4-5. Nerves are getting stretched.
Response and clean-up continues. Our better resourced parishes have been involved in helping the most vulnerable. One of the only homeless shelters in Anchorage was damaged enough that it was "red flagged" and "closed" by the municipality. The building can and will be repaired, but nearly 50 individuals needed to be housed in the meantime. The churches in Anchorage worked together to find housing for these displaced individuals. As expected, there has been a rich ecumenical response to ministry needs in the area.
All in all, we are doing very well; especially in comparison to the devastation experienced by the fires in California. I continue to hold that catastrophe and the thousands affected in my personal prayers.
Some have generously offered assistance to this Diocese. While we are still evaluating what needs are not being met and where ministry opportunities are developing as "recovery" continues, at present it seems that most of the pastoral and physical needs of people are being addressed. ERD has been initially very responsive. We will continue in dialogue with them.
One important ministry opportunity that I never would have imagined, however, has confronted us: we are in desperate need of Structural Engineers. While I have received reports from all 7 parishes in the area that "everything looks fine," I worry what might remain unseen. There is often structural damage done in earthquakes that is not apparent to the naked or untrained eye. I know I would rest much easier if the parish buildings in the quake zone were inspected by a structural engineer. Unfortunately, every available engineer is busy with the important work of municipal and infrastructure inspections. If any of you have a "Canon for Engineering" you could let me borrow, do let me know.
Again, thank you for your faithfulness, your collegiality, and your presence with us in prayer and love.
