Children's Bible Ministry
A Previous Message
Earthquakes
An earthquake is the sudden vibration of
the earth's surface that follows a release of energy in the earth's crust. Earthquakes can
be caused by sudden movement of parts of the earth's crust or by volcanic eruption or by
manmade explosions. The most destructive quakes are caused by movement in the earth's
crust. Earthquakes occur at a rate of several hundred a day around the world. Most go
unfelt. Seismograph machines which record movements of the earth detect about one million
small earthquakes each year. Moderate earthquakes occur about twenty times a year.
Earthquakes can cause great loss of life and
destruction of buildings, highways, bridges, and dams, and can trigger massive landslides.
Earthquakes can also generate seismic sea waves, called tsunamis. In 1995 an earthquake in
Kobe,
Japan killed more than 4000 people and left 275,000
homeless. An earthquake in Turkey in August 1999 killed at least 15,000 people and
caused 5-7 billion dollars in damages. The century's most powerful earthquake occurred in
Chile in 1960.
If you every find yourself in an earthquake
the
Red Cross suggests that
you:
- DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe
place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away
from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off
during a quake.
- If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head
with a pillow.
- If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees,
and power lines. Drop to the ground.
- If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as
described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.
What a dreadful thing it must be to be in an earthquake
where everything around you quivers and shakes. Things that seem solid and dependable sway
and fall. A man who had been in an earthquake said he found comfort and strength in
looking beyond the shaking earth to the stars of the sky which remained constant and
still.
Sometimes the problems and pressures and difficulties
of life cause us to quake and tremble. Sometimes there are problems with health or wealth,
problems with people, separations, divorce, or even death. We have need to turn our eyes
from the worries and fears around us to the God of heaven Who is as a solid rock which
cannot be moved.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains
be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Psalm 46:1-3
Be still and
know that God is God.
If I can be of help to you in knowing the Lord
or if you would like to write me a note write to: