Christchurch Earthquake Report (from the Baptist Union):

In general, Baptist Churches and communities seem to be doing okay. There seem to be three groups:

Churches with badly damaged buildings (Oxford Terrace, Beckenham, Linwood’s hall)

Church communities where many people have had homes and businesses damaged, including houses condemned (Kaiapoi, St Albans, Parklands, Papanui, Breezes Rd, Halswell, and the farming community at Darfield).

 Churches with little or no damage to their buildings and in communities where the major damage is to chimneys, roofing tiles and hot water cylinders.

 Kaiapoi has been hosting a team of 28 from Te Puke Baptist this week, living marae style in the church complex. As well as doing community work and repairs, some of the team have been leading a large children’s holiday programme.

 Beckenham are thankful for their big hall, where they can meet for services.

 Linwood had the engineer in this week, but there is uncertainty over the outcome.

The organ pipes at Oxford  Terrace have been removed but the organ keyboard is still in place. The continuing aftershocks are widening cracks in the building. The engineers’ report could take three months, and the final decision about the future of the building rests with the City Council. The church is meeting in the Christchurch East School hall at present, but there is uncertainty about whether this arrangement can continue.