Life changed dramatically for over 100,000 residents of southwestern Alberta on June 20. Four lost their lives. Tens of thousands lost their homes.
A weather system stalled over the eastern slopes of the Rockies and dumped unprecedented volumes of rain over already melting mountain snow packs. The result was unbelievably fast rises in the levels and speed of rivers like the Bow, Elbow and Highwood. The City of Calgary and towns of High River, Bragg Creek and Canmore were placed under states of emergency, giving authorities sweeping powers to order evacuations and do what had to be done to save lives and minimize property damage.
Within hours, first responders following comprehensive emergency plans went house to house, getting residents evacuated and evacuation centres opened. The TransCanada Highway was washed out at Canmore and closed by a mudslide just west of Banff.
Canadian media have done a good job of telling us the facts and giving us insights into the lives of the evacuees. We haven’t heard much about God or faith in all this.
Yet God was certainly here in the hearts of the thousands who took evacuees into their homes—so many that Calgary’s evacuation centres reached only 60 per cent of their capacity. He was here in the emergency responders who took significant risks to help people in danger from the rushing waters. Here in the tens of thousands of volunteers who staffed emergency centres and worked day and night to shovel out basements, remove waterlogged drywall, furniture and appliances from flooded homes and businesses. Here in the the plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople who worked countless hours to help people deal with the damage. Here in the countless phone calls, emails and tweets of support to affected friends and family. Here in the decisions by corporate leaders to have their companies donate millions of dollars to flood relief. And here in hearts of political leaders who have committed to do what it takes to get affected families back into their homes, and small businesses and charities back to work.
Of course God was here amongst the churches and faith groups feeding and housing people who couldn’t return home. He was here in the Samaritan’s Purse teams working to clean out devastated homes and businesses. Here in the prayers of countless believers across Canada and overseas.
The media have had a lot to say about Calgarians’ and Albertans’ indomitable community spirit working through this disaster. Now it’s our job—yours and mine—to help everyone understand it’s actually the Holy Spirit who animates such “community spirit.” Thanks be to God.
