The president of the Inter-European region of the Adventist Church shares in the pain of families affected by powerful earthquake in Italy

Aug 24, 2016
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Bern, Switzerland
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Inter-European Division Staff / ANN Staff

The central region of Italy was rocked by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on August 24 that killed at least 120 people, and injured 368 in the mountainous area, according to the prime minister of Italy, Matteo Renzi.

The earthquake was felt in Umbria, Lazio and Le Marche, three regions 80 to 100 miles northeast of Rome. The region also experienced nearly 200 aftershocks. Some towns in the effected regions were completely destroyed.

In the following statement, Mario Brito, president of the Inter-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, shared his sympathy with the population affected by the earthquake.

“The news we are receiving from Italy, fill us with downheartedness. The images that are shown highlight a rather disastrous situation. It is very sad to see women, men – young and old – wandering worried and dismayed among and over rubbles searching any piece of what was once called their home.

My sympathy and affection are with all those who have lost their homes and have been somehow affected by this natural disaster. To all who are mourning and suffering on account of this catastrophe, I would like to dedicate the powerful and comforting promise of Jesus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. “John 14: 1–3 (BSB).

Jesus is clearly saying that there will be an end to our suffering and point us to the day when there will be no more death or any kind of suffering. On that day all who have believed and accepted Him as their savior will have a house close to Him and His Father’s. 

I pray for all those who are discouraged and are suffering in this moment that the consolation of God and of those who are working to alleviate the suffering may be help and a balm in these moments of trouble and pain.”