News from Good News Ministries:
- Catastrophe in My City: So Much Solidarity!
- Plus great links to great content
Catastrophe in My City: So Much Solidarity
By Graciela Ramos (Assistant Director)
As many of you know, I am from Argentina and I live in the city of Bahía Blanca, in the province of Buenos Aires. Last week, we suffered a true catastrophe. The average annual rainfall in our area is 600 mm, but last Friday, 450 mm were recorded in just one day.
On top of that, the city is crossed by a low-flow river, but with such an extreme amount of rain, it overflowed, leaving three-quarters of the city under an average of 1.20 meters of water. In some areas, the water reached up to 1.60 meters.
As you can imagine, the disaster was massive, and the city collapsed. There were more than 20 deaths, and some people are still missing.
However, despite such a tragedy, generosity was, and still is, incredible. The rest of the country immediately came to the city’s aid, and the amount of donations exceeded expectations. Even some internationally recognized Argentinians, such as Lionel Messi (soccer player), Manuel Ginóbili (basketball player), and Franco Colapinto (Formula 1 driver), expressed their solidarity and led donation efforts for the city.
What happened in our home? Well, the water reached 70 cm, and we lost some furniture and appliances—two armchairs, two desks, the washing machine, chairs, tables, two bookshelves, our car (which was submerged), and many books. But by God’s grace, our computers and all the Good News Ministries work materials remained safe from the water. While we suffered material losses, it was nothing compared to what the rest of the city endured. Many families lost everything, even their homes.
As my husband Fernando and I meditated and prayed, we couldn’t help but thank God for His goodness in protecting our lives. Over the past two years, my city has suffered three major disasters: a tornado that left more than 40 dead, a severe hailstorm that caused millions in damages, and now this devastating flood. We don’t know why God is allowing all of this to happen—perhaps it’s to make us aware that our world needs urgent action because we are destroying our “common home,” as the Holy Father calls it. The world’s great leaders must take action immediately, but we, too, must recognize our own responsibility.
I always remember a Bible verse from the Old Testament, 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, upon whom my name has been invoked, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.”
I believe this is the true solution to the great problem our world faces. But how many of us take it seriously? And how many of us who do take it seriously know how to invite others to do the same?
I am deeply grateful to those who have committed to supporting us, both financially and through prayer. Knowing we could count on your generosity and kindness has been a great relief. If you haven’t had the chance to contribute yet but would like to, you can do so through this link: https://www.continuetogive.
God bless you!
Good News Prayer Room:
Use our collection of Catholic prayers designed with your needs in mind. They will give you hope and a stronger connection to God’s love and support. What do you need prayers for today?
Visit gnm.org/prayers.
Post your prayer requests @ gnm.org/post-a-prayer.
Good News WordBytes:
WANT MORE FAITH and HOPE in TROUBLED TIMES? WE’RE HERE for YOU! Choose from a variety of topics on our website of Catholic Faith-building articles. What do you need today?
Visit wordbytes.org.
God bless you!
Every morning, I lift up in prayer everyone who helps Good News Ministries in any way (donors, volunteers, prayer supporters, etc.) and all the prayer requests posted on our site. What can I cover in prayer for you? Post your prayer request.
How else can the team and I serve you today? Visit our homepage.
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Your servant in Christ,
Terry Modica, Author, Speaker, Podcaster,
Executive Director, Good News Ministries
gnm.org
Find this and past issues at gnm.org/newsletter. Please share what will minister to others.
Please share this with others by inviting them to visit this page. You may also print this for your personal use and you may share the print-out with others.
A free PDF document of this is available for your own personal use.
How to Win Victories in Spiritual Warfare
Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well
Lessons from the Blessed Mother
Daily Prayers with the Saints