The raw power of nature

We all get occasions in our lives when we see something that makes us stop and stand in awe.  It may be a glorious sunset, or a waterfall or a flock of starlings making patterns in the sky.  Some have travelled north into Scandinavia to see the northern lights of gone to Canada to stand at the edge of the Niagara Falls. We can describe such experiences as breathtaking, but often such sights simply are inexpressible.

One of these that I experienced was just over twenty years ago when my wife and I were working together at Murree Christian School in Pakistan.  We were house parents to nineteen children, all of whom were aged six to nine years of age. School life followed a fairly regular routine, but, occasionally we would take them out for a special treat. On this occasion it was nearing the end of the school year so we went from Jhika Gali, where the school was sited, to Murree for an “evening out”.  

The El Niño weather pattern

 

We live in days when so much information is available to us and even then we know so little about the total knowledge available.  In July 2023 it was announced by the World Meteorological Organisation that El Niño was confirmed which is a weather pattern that has worldwide effects.  Such an occurrence is not new and has been known for many generations. It was given its name in the 1600s when Peruvian fishermen noticed that the water was warmer around Christmas time and this affected the weather and reduced their catch of fish.  They gave the phenomenon the name of ‘El Niño de Navidad’ which simply means ‘the Christmas Boy’. 

An El Niño is usually announced when surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean near the equator increase by half a degree centigrade over a three month period.  Such occurrences happen every two to seven years and can last from nine to twelve months.  Usually in the Pacific the trade winds move from east to west and so move warm water towards Australia and S.E. Asia.  The warm water is replaced by cold water from the depths of the ocean which is nutrient-rich and the process is known as ‘upwelling’.  During an El Niño for reasons which are not fully known the process is reversed and great masses of warm water flow to the east and reach the Americas.  The result is that normally dry areas of Peru, Chile, Mexico and as far north as SW USA are deluged with rain.  This can produce landslides and leave many people homeless. 

Storm Survival Advice

Scripture Reading

Acts chapter 27

Scripture Verse

‘I believe God that it will be just as it was told me’

Acts 27:25

This part of the story is scary for anyone who does not like sailing. Paul is starting his journey to Rome where he will meet the Roman Emperor. The soldier who is guarding him is called, Julius.  Julius is a nice man. He is kind, thoughtful and polite. He must also have been good at his job. He was part of a group of important soldiers and he was the boss.