A Call to Cover Australia with Prayer After Horrendous Wildfires

I received an email this week from a man named Ted Leask, the Managing Director of Touched by Disability, a resource ministry and outreach to the disabled in Australia. He thanked us for sending out the alert to pray for Australia, and asked that we would remind people to continue praying, as people return to what is left of their charred homes, and try to cope with loved ones lost.

What struck me most was his unique perspective as one who works with and ministers to the disabled, and how much more difficult and challenging it is for them in a situation such as the devastating wildfires this past weekend. I confess it hasn't been an aspect that I've considered much in relation to catastrophic events, but it is a point of prayer we/I should not overlook. 

So, I am posting parts of his prayer request verbatim, as his own words seem the most effective way to convey his urgency. Thank you for praying...

From Ted Leask in Australia:

The circumstances are indeed extreme!

Much wisdom is needed right now. Much care & support for all immersed in it, no matter how! 

Awful does not begin to describe it.

Our Canberra fires in 2003 were tragic and traumatic, but these eclipse them tenfold at least!

I ask you to send out another prayer alert covering all people experiencing disability--who have experienced incredible losses, of personal identification, community, families, supports, equipment, and who will be experiencing a deep isolation and dislocation from the people and places where they lived. 

At this point it is known that 2 people with disability have died in the fires, and several families with deaf family members have lost families, friends and homes.

The devastation is total, as even the identifying features of the local areas are no longer present as they were: Blackened hills, charred sticks of trees, melted light poles, ash where there were buildings and significant landmarks, replace all of [what had been].

It's hard to say how utterly depressing that is!

Nothing like a moonscape, too black and grey for that.

I have sent out a call far and wide this morning, through my disability ministry; "Touched by Disability," to get a grip on the present situation for all experiencing disability in this region, people missing, losses--all types of needs for replacement equipment, clothing, supportive services etc--the list goes on.

[However, a] huge mobilization, never seen in peace time is happening, and the open-hearted, open-handed generosity of the Australian people towards our fellow Aussies, and the expressions of support from overseas is quite fantastic!

PLEASE ENCOURAGE THE FLOODING of INTERCESSORY PRAYER! It is needed nationwide!

Many thanks in advance

-Ted Leask