Heartbreak in Australia
by Ted Slater on 02/12/2009 at 5:18 PM
Everyone experiences suffering. As I type this, individuals in Colorado Springs and Toronto and London and Makati and Auckland are hurting.
And folks throughout Australia -- with its bushfires and flooding -- are suffering in heartbreaking ways.
This morning I received the following e-mail from Cate:
Hi there,
My family (Mum, Dad, myself and my three little sisters) lived in the small town in Victoria. There were warnings that bushfires were 5 kilometres away and we were getting ready to evacuate. We had grabbed the family photos, important documents, blankets for the night in the evacution centre and some extra clothes but just as we were about to leave the fire came surging over the hill north of our property. We all scrambled for the car and sped off along the south road from our property. My two youngest sisters were crying and screaming about the pets my dad forced them to leave behind. Mum and I were trying to calm them down and praying God would spare our house. But just as we turned around the next corner we saw fire coming up on the south of our property. We were being closed in on both sides. We all began to panic but Dad said nothing and turned the car around and started heading towards the dam, there wasn't enough time to take any other route out.
We got to the dam, by this time we were coughing really badly and sky was black with smoke. Dad made us all get in the water, he grabbed the blankets and wet them and we all started to swim out to the raft ancored in the middle of the dam. We could see the fire coming and started to feel the heat. My parents and I dragged my sisters through the water because they were too distraught to swim properly. Finally we climbed on the raft, we lay there with the wet blankets on top of us. The plan was that when the fire came we would all slide off the raft into the water with the blankets over our heads and tread water until it passed around the dam. My dad kept looking out the side of blanket to see how close it was. He could see headlights in the distance through the smoke and realised that our neighbours were also driving to our dam.
He said he had to go and help despite our pleas. He said he'd be back in a few minutes and jumped off the raft swam to the edge and got into the truck and started out towards the lights. That is the last we ever saw of him. We don't know what happened ... we know they didn't make it. Him and our neighbouring family of 5 were caught in the fire 1/2 a km from the dam.
The fire came and we slid off the raft into the water, the smoke and heat were incredible and but the wet blankets were amazing in keeping the air breathable and the heat manageable. While we tread water we all cried, we all knew Dad hadn't made it, there was no way. In all honesty I didn't feel like treading water, this was a nightmare and I could have easily just let myself slip away. I know that sounds selfish because I was there with my mum and sisters but that's the way it was.
The fire passed. We survived and climbed back onto the raft, we didn't know what to do next we couldn't go back to shore because the ground was too hot. So we just sat in silence, holding each other. After a while my youngest sister started to ask questions 'Do you think the dog is alright? Do you think our house is ok?' all my mum said was 'Sweethearts, it is well with our souls and that's all that matters' I'm sure she was saying that to herself as much as she was saying it to us. We were rescued half an hour later by the Fire Service and taken to a shelter. That night at the shelter is a story in itself. The death toll stands at 181 and still climbing.
We are now staying at my Aunt's house 3 hours away. The amount of support is incredible but nothing replaces the horrific memories and my sisters have nightmares every night. We are left wondering what is next. What is the point of rebuilding if my Dad is gone and can't farm and support us? Where do we go? Most of our friends are dead, half our church is dead, what life do we have left? Do we sell? and if so will we make enough money to pay out our mortgage, who wants to buy black burnt piece of land?
Everyday is a battle to see God's faithfulness and righteousness above the loss we have experienced. I'm not quite there yet, I'm angry, confused and bitter. We all miss Dad, he was quiet but strong man who loved the Lord. He put his family first and lead us with incredible wisdom, he saved or lives that night and died trying to save more. There should be some comfort in that but I haven't found it yet, I wish he was selfish and had of just stayed with us. If he were here to lead us now things would feel that much more secure but he's not and I feel abandonned, everything secure and familiar is gone. I am immensely thankful for my family but even that feel different right now.
I am reminded of the Gaither song Because He Lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives
- Cate
Cate's father was a very brave man, a man who brought honor to Christ by sacrificially serving his family and giving his life in an effort to save others. I've never met Cate's father, but am provoked by the way he modeled a godly life, a life putting others' well-being over his own. I've never met Cate or her family, and yet I'm moved to tears by the agony they are experiencing right now.
I've prayed for Cate and her family, for their comfort, for their provision. Please consider doing the same.
* * *
We do lift up your concerns to the Lord in prayer. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact us right now. When you complete the form on that page, the information you provide is hand-delivered to my co-workers and me. When we receive your prayer request, we push away from our computers, close our eyes from things that distract us, and we talk with the Lord about what is on your heart.
Please also feel free to e-mail us at editor@boundless.org or leave a comment below. It's our privilege to share your burdens.
1. Crista said the following at 6:03 PM on Feb 12:
Jesus, I cry out to you for Cate and her family. The immense pain of losing someone so dearly loved is too much to bear sometimes. The agony, the hopelessness, the pure gut-wrenching sorrow makes us lie awake at night wondering and questioning the things that happen in our lives. Lord, remind Cate of your sovereignty in the days when her world is spinning out of control. Prompt her heart to ponder your faithfulness when everything else is wavering. Give her a sense of pride when she thinks about her father's bravery, especially when she battles with anger and confusion. We know, God, that you love Cate, her mum, and her sisters more than anyone ever could. And in the days when she doesn't know what to do, may her eyes be continually upon you. Bring her comfort in sorrow and joy in pain. In the precious name of Jesus, our Abba Father, Amen.
2. Lauren said the following at 6:14 PM on Feb 12:
Can we on Boundless do anything for Cate? Financially? Can we give a special gift to Focus/Boundless in care for her family?
3. Joanna said the following at 7:03 PM on Feb 12:
What has happened in Australia this week is heart-breakingly tragic. I can't imagine the pain cate and others like her are experiencing right now. Cate, i'll be praying for you.
I am so thankful to be one of the lucky ones, a lot of houses were lost in my town but the fire didn't make it to mine. Was pretty scary though!
For those of you who are praying, i've posted some prayer needs related to the fires at joannamuses.com
4. Renee` said the following at 7:06 PM on Feb 12:
I'm crying for her.
5. Emma said the following at 7:26 PM on Feb 12:
Definitely praying for Cate, her family and everybody else who lost family members and those who lost property, and personal items in the fires. Its very heart wrenching to see such a tragedy and I can only echo the words of Crista #1.
6. Rachael Starke said the following at 7:27 PM on Feb 12:
I grew up in Melbourne very close to where this all happened and have been praying about an opportunity to help a specific family or church. Would you please let all the Boundless family know how we can get funds directly to Cate, her family and / or church?
7. Jessica Matthews said the following at 7:44 PM on Feb 12:
I live in Australia, though not near the fires. There are many ways you can donate. One that I know of is through the Anglican Archbishop's bushfire appeal: http://www.archbishopsappeals.asn.au/donations/ccdp-emergency-bushfire-appeal
I was also moved to tears by Cate's story.
Thanks for posting about this!
8. Nathan W. Bingham said the following at 8:05 PM on Feb 12:
Anyone wishing to donate finances to assist families, and to assist in the rebuilding of the many towns which were burnt off the map, and the re-establishment of much needed services (phone, power, sewerage), please consider donating to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. Your support (and prayers) are greatly appreciated by all Australians.
9. Helen 't Hart said the following at 8:27 PM on Feb 12:
Cate - Thankyou so much for being brave enough to write about your exeriences. You are in my prayers. May the God of all comfort keep holding you close.
I am also Australian... but living in Canada now. Each time I get on the internet I first check out the ABC website (www.abc.net.au) to find out the latest news and try to fathom what has happened in our country. Unbelievable. We all knew that one day something like this could happen... but we never really expected the day to actually come.
But I'm glad that we also know that, because He lives, we can carry on, inspite of these terrible times. I pray that this continues to be your comfort Cate. And I pray that many will be encouraged with this gospel message in this time of grief and pain.
your sister in Christ, Helen.
10. VanessaM. said the following at 9:06 PM on Feb 12:
Cate,
Words do not seem adequate...I just want you to know that I'm praying for you and for your family. May the peace that passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
11. Leah said the following at 9:11 PM on Feb 12:
I read this and cried, and cried. I'm not sure what's different with this most recent disaster, but it has touched people like nothing else I've ever seen. People all over the country, who don't know anybody in the fire region, sit in front of their televisions with tears pouring down their faces. The Red Cross alone has raised in excess of $65 million. The people in this region have gone through horrible, horrible experiences. There are just so many facets of the disaster; the lives lost; the 'not knowing' in the following days whether the family members you got separated from survived; the sheer terror people must have experienced; the 'what ifs' that might have prevented it; etc etc.
I had just hoped Boundless readers had been spared... obviously not. My heart breaks for you Cate. You must be in so much agony right now, the only thing I can think of that might be ANY consolation is that you will see your father again one day. He's a very brave man. And your mother is a very strong woman.
Some stories have been so uplifting though, I think of one in particular- a middle-aged man lost his father in the fire too, and was being interviewed on one of our most popular morning news shows, while standing in the remains of his father's home. He said at the end "I want people to remember Dad as a man who spent his life serving God. He always put others before himself, serving others and serving God."
And to everyone else reading: these fires are still burning, still out of control, and still threatening other towns. Pray for wisdom not just for authorities, but for residents, as they are faced with the enormous decision of fleeing or staying to defend their homes.
Like it has been mentioned above, there are several ways you can donate if you want. There's the Red Cross, the Anglican Archbishop's Appeal, the Salvation Army, etc. I don't know how easy it is for foreigners to donate via the Red Cross or Archbishop's Appeal, but I know it is possible via the Salvos.
There is also going to be (it's already started) political banter over whose fault this was and how it should have been prevented. Everybody has their own ideas but just pray that the authorities come to a decision to make sure it doesn't happen again.
And thankyou to the US firefighters who have come to help. I don't think they've sent a lot, but it will give some of our guys a break. We have the Victorian fire brigade, volunteer firefighters, army soldiers and firefighters from New Zealand and five other states, and these fires are still running rampant. And Australia knows bushfires. We are always prepared. But not for this.
12. .j said the following at 11:29 PM on Feb 12:
I'm really glad Boundless featured this letter. What's going on in Australia right now is horrible (compounded by the horrible arsonists who've made it ever worse). When I first heard about it I pulled up CNN to read up on what was happening and was met with stories about.....The Grammys -_-
Although this is a horrible experience, it was awesome and inspiring to read about Cate's dad's heroic and selfless act and know that he's in heaven hanging out with Jesus right now.
13. Jade said the following at 11:31 PM on Feb 12:
So heartbreaking. I will definately be praying for sister Cate and her family.
14. Joanna said the following at 11:37 PM on Feb 12:
Please let me know if there is a way we can help cate directly. I'd be happy to give some money to help her. I would also be willing to post her a new bible or other small items she needs.
15. Jonathan Sarfati, Ph.D. said the following at 11:59 PM on Feb 12:
Australia’s worst-ever bushfire disaster: The ‘lucky country’ stands in a state of shock, by Gary Bates (CMI-Australia).
16. Jo said the following at 3:23 AM on Feb 13:
I second what Crista and Lauren said. I will be praying for Cate and others in this horrific situation.
17. Erin said the following at 4:37 AM on Feb 13:
I live in Australia too, though not near the fires. I still can't quite believe that something like this is happening in my country.
I wish I could go back and rewind this week and make it disappear. Sometimes Gods will is so hard to accept.
18. Ciku said the following at 4:48 AM on Feb 13:
My heart cries out to God on your behalf...I cant even begin to imagine what pain you must be going through. May God heal your soul. He is able. Lots of love.
Ciku
19. Ambrosia said the following at 8:15 AM on Feb 13:
My heart goes out to Cate, her family and everyone touched by this bushfires. It just reminds us that this world is not our home and becuase of this there will be pain and suffering. But above all, there is love, love in the form of Jesus Christ and the promise he made that one day,we will see our loved ones again and he will wipe away all our tears.
20. kimberly e said the following at 8:52 AM on Feb 13:
Cate, I am at a loss for words, but please know i am praying for you and your family, and for the others touched by this horrible tragedy!
21. Makeda said the following at 10:02 AM on Feb 13:
This is sad...Cate, I'm praying for you and your family and others devastated by this fire. Be encouraged and look to God as your source of strength and comfort.
22. erin said the following at 10:31 AM on Feb 13:
This is truly heartbreaking. I can't even imagine what Cate and others like her are going through right now. I'm so glad Boundless shared this; it makes the situation all the more personal and all the more urgent.
23. Leeandra said the following at 12:20 PM on Feb 13:
I've been looking for something to do with the money I'll save giving up something (as yet undecided) for Lent...will be sending it to the Salvation Army in Australia.
Cate, our prayers are with you, your family, and your country.
24. Kari said the following at 1:38 PM on Feb 13:
Yes please if we can help her directly and maybe send her some encouraging words through the mail?? Post office box address or something???
25. BDB said the following at 3:06 PM on Feb 13:
This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
We have wildfires here, too. I realized reading this article that I need to be carrying around a fire blanket and a Pulaski fire axe, which I ordered here.
26. Christopher from Albuquerque said the following at 5:02 PM on Feb 13:
I am writing this through tears. Cate, I am praying for you and your family members and friends. I know that God's will is very hard to accept at times like these. I lost my own mother to suicide and two close friends to seemingly sudden, unexpected deaths. Please know that God does love you and that He has a reason for even the most painful things. He is with you in your tears. I will continue to pray for you, my sister in Christ.
27. Christopher from Albuquerque said the following at 5:09 PM on Feb 13:
I also agree with what Ted wrote. Cate, your father was so brave, so Christ-like in his loving desire to save others. I know that that doesn't take away your pain. Please take care and keep in touch, if possible. We'll keep praying for you.
28. Joy said the following at 9:52 AM on Feb 15:
Thanks for telling us this story. I will say a prayer for her family. Times are so terrible on earth that Jesus must be coming soon.
29. Kelly said the following at 10:10 PM on Feb 15:
Cate, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. Your father will be remembered as a hero.
My prayers are with you and your family - may Jesus enfold you in his arms.
30. Bec Matheson said the following at 1:44 AM on Feb 16:
Please continue to pray for those affected by the fires (I live reasonably close - but not in a danger area) there is much rebuilding to be done - both of physical things but more importantly of lives.
Donations to the Red Cross or Salvation Army are the safest as there have been some scams. It seems the best and the worst shows it's face with tragedies like this.
31. Rachael said the following at 1:01 PM on Feb 16:
What an amazing testimony. Cate's father's sacrifice of his life, her mother's eternal outlook, and Cate's remembrance of Christ...
wow...Peace be with you, Cate...
32. Shawna said the following at 1:09 PM on Feb 19:
Wow. My heart goes out to you! About a month ago my house caught fire, so I can onlythe slightest bit relate! I was going to in Australia in January, but somehow got delayed. Im praying for your family! God is Faithful even though at times it feels he is not there, HE WILL PROVIDE for your family! Hold fast to his promises! Thank you for sharing your heart and experience, God will use it!
33. Rachael said the following at 11:23 AM on Feb 27:
Just came across these verses and thought about this letter...
Lamentations 3:54-58 (ESV):
"water closed over my head;
I said, 'I am lost.'
'I called on your name, O LORD,
from the depths of the pit;
you heard my plea, 'Do not close
your ear to my cry for help!'
You came near when I called on you;
you said, 'Do not fear!'
'You have taken up my cause, O Lord;
you have redeemed my life."