wailin, richard, pat and the monks of yarra glen are an important part of my life in australia. they taught me how to love, laugh, live and pray. never one to turn away anyone in need, they share their warmth & hospitality with all. i miss them. their home-cooked meals, their poetry and music, the herbs and travel tales they used to share with me. they helped me find my second home when i was studying alone then, in melbourne.
they now live in uncertainty & much fear as their lives and property hang threatened by the fire that rages on in victoria state. many have chosen to stay behind for as long as they can to ward fire off their property. because that is all they have left...i don't know how long more they can fight. a recent phonecall to them assures us that they are well, exhausted but safe, each community taking turns to watch the night, patrol their lands and alert each other should they detect danger miles ahead. it does not help that the fires are spread by fierce winds and gum-rich eucalyptus trees.
Lord, protect and bring to an end the fires that they fear. many are old. they are tired. they fear abandonment. alot of us struggle to believe in your care in the middle of this hell and madness.
Lord
restore those whose lives are ruined and torn by destruction.
you are with them in their fear and loss
you will save
Lord, give us faith,
help our unbelief.
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the cistercian community at tarrawarra and the communities in healesville and all of australia ask for our prayers. for aid and for rain to stop the fires from raging and destroying their homes and lives
http://www.cistercian.org.au/