Earthquake in New Zealand

Written By Belinda Gabbard

A deafening roar and violent shaking abruptly awakened my husband and I simultaneously at 4:35 a.m., Saturday, September 4. It is amazing how quickly we found ourselves on our knees in the middle of the bed holding tightly to one another and both audibly asking the Lord to help us. Although it seemed much longer, it was definitely the most frightening and terrifying minute of my life. Many different thoughts raced through my mind and I instantly felt an overwhelming love for all my loved ones.

Suddenly, every light in the house flickered on for approximately ten seconds, giving Coleman time to see the ceiling moving from side to side. I seemed to have missed that part; must have had my eyes closed. When the shaking finally subsided, Coleman handed me a flashlight and told me to get dressed and not to forget my shoes because there was broken glass on the floor. As comical as this may sound, I found myself having difficulty deciding what to wear! I knew whatever I chose had to be warm because I felt very cold. But before I could get dressed, the violent shaking began again. When it ceased, I dressed quickly, grabbed my wedding ring and purse and headed toward the door.

I saw my cabinet door standing open, dishes and glasses were smashed and lying on the carpet.
The pantry doors were also open and food was dumped onto the floor. What a mess! For the third time, the house began to shake and rattle. I quickly ran to the doorway, which is one of the places you are supposed to go during an earthquake. This time I was by myself because Coleman had gone outside to check the roof and the neighbors. When he returned, we were standing in the doorway when the house began its rock and roll number again. I remember thinking, "when will it stop?" The answer was, "not for quite some time." The aftershocks occurred every ten to fifteen minutes. This went on for a couple of hours and then the in between times gradually lengthened.

I found myself going from room to room with my little flashlight assessing the damage. Besides the broken dishes, I lost photo frames, wall hangings and trinkets that won't require anymore dusting. Before starting the cleanup, I sent several texts to let family and friends know we were okay. Our power, water and phone service returned by mid-afternoon. We were very fortunate because many others went several days without those services. We have minor damages to our walls; however, our carpet in the living room will have to be temporarily taken up in order to repair the now uneven floor. Our roof is okay, but we have a few loose bricks and some cracks in the foundation. We fared much better than our neighbor, Tom, just two houses up from us. They haven't inspected his house yet, but Coleman thinks they may condemn it.

On Wednesday, September 8 just before 8:00 a.m., it happened all over again. Because the shaking did not last as long as the 7.1 quake and for insurance purposes, the experts are only calling it a 5.2 aftershock. I was already awake, waiting for my turn to shower when this one hit. I did not sit up as quickly this time so I was hit on the head by an object that sits on a shelf directly above my head. It was a figurine, an angel to be precise. I will always remember this incident because I was "kissed" by an angel. My grandson, Reagan, was staying with us because my daughter, Rachel, had given birth to my first granddaughter on Tuesday and was in Christchurch Women's Hospital. I quickly grabbed him as Coleman came rushing out of the bathroom with towel in hand. We clung to one another until the shaking ceased. There were three violent shakings until it settled down to the usual aftershocks we had constantly been experiencing since Saturday.

I had already put things back into the cabinets and on the walls and shelves. Big mistake! More broken glassware and wall hangings. Some things that did not fall before, fell this time. No one can truly understand the lingering sense of fear until they have experienced an earthquake and the numerous aftershocks. Because of the nearly 700 aftershocks we have had and are still having, my house looks like we are preparing to move. The walls have been cleared and breakable items are on the floor. It is like walking through a maze.

Buildings that withstood the first quake, were not so lucky on Wednesday. The most famous building that Christchurch lost was The Deans Homestead, the house used in making the movie, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It was as if the quake had tentacles like an octopus and it had spread randomly through the city, sparing some, claiming others. Buildings can be replaced or repaired, but at times like this, we realize it is our family, friends and lives that are most precious.

Although the earthquake was an extremely harrowing experience and not one I wish to repeat, I will add this event to my personal list of revelations of God's magnificent power. He revealed that He sits on the throne in control of my life, not as a tyrannical dictator, but as a loving and protective Father. He proved, once again, that His words of promise ring loud and true--"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Thank you, Lord, for always being there and never leaving my side. I know that one day I will draw my last breath and with a glorified body join my Father in Heaven for eternity. . . but not today!

Editor’s Note: Here is yet another reason why we must pray for our missionaries’ around the world. Thank you Belinda for sharing this account with us.