Tears and Smiles from Earthquake Messages

Four simple words written on pink paper in a small child’s writing were enough to bring one person to tears yesterday, they read “I pray for you”. The card was one of nearly two thousand messages of support sent by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from around New Zealand to Christchurch children and families. A large selection of the cards were displayed in the Latter-day Saint Chapel located in Opawa on the weekend.

The messages shared thoughts of peace and encouragement following the February earthquake. Most of the cards were written by primary aged children and expressed love for all Christchurch people impacted by the earthquake.

Shanyah from Dunedin wrote in her card “We are praying for you that you will be safe. We know that Christchurch will rise”.

A card from a three year old girl in Auckland included a beautiful photograph of her with the words, “I would like to help by sending you a smile”.

Other cards and messages of support were sent by youth groups from the LDS Church as well as LDS families from around the country.

Another message read, “The Fatai family would like to let you know that we are thinking of you. We hope you stay strong and continue to live life to the fullest”.

Carol McDonald of Burnside said “the cards really did help to lift my spirits, they touched my heart and made me laugh. It was wonderful to see all of the hard work and kind thoughts that had gone into making them, the photographs of the children were beautiful and very personal.”

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