Seitz Family Update April 5, 2024

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Dear friends,

On Wednesday, a major 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit eastern and northern Taiwan. This was the largest quake in 25 years (the largest I’ve experienced). We’ve been grateful for friends and family who have checked in on us and want to share about the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan’s ministry. One of the hardest hit areas was Hualian, a city on the east coast that is home to many indigenous ministries and also to Yushan Seminary, one of three theological seminaries.

A friend of mine, Rachel Lee, grew up in Hualian before moving to the U.S. She now attends Columbia Theological Seminary. She wrote:

When I learned about the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck my hometown of Hualien last night, my first instinct was to call my grandmother. Hearing her voice on the phone brought immense relief, as she was unharmed. However, she expressed shock at experiencing such a significant earthquake at her age, thinking for a moment that the prolonged shaking would bring down her apartment. And during the phone call, the aftershock still happened.

I was born and raised in Hualien; earthquakes, have always been a part of life. But since the major earthquake in February 2018, I’ve noticed a pattern: for two to three days after the main quake, hundreds of aftershocks continue to rattle the area, causing panic and unease among the people. This time was no different, with relentless aftershocks adding to the anxiety and complicating rescue efforts.

The building next to Pak Pin Presbyterian Church, where I spent 17 years growing up, collapsed. Similarly, the Manna Christian Bookstore, a place that accompanied me throughout my upbringing, succumbed to the quake. Even my father's former workplace, the Yushan Theological Seminary, suffered significant damage. Watching my hometown, the place that nurtured me, and its people endure such profound loss and sorrow fills me with deep sadness.

I am really grateful for Rachel’s voice and know how hard it is to be far away during stressful times like these. My colleague, John McCall, was in a skyscraper in Taipei when the earthquake happened, and I’ve heard other stories of colleagues who were in transit on the metro.

We’re very grateful for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. The PCT’s Church and Society Committee has been posting updates, we’ve heard from PC(USA) Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Yushan Theological Seminary has also posted a link to donate.

We’re so grateful for prayers for the city of Hualian, for Taiwan, and for the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan. PCUSA and PCT have been close friends and we thank God for words of comfort and encouragement in times of difficulty.

Jonathan and Emily

A message from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

If you would like to add a specific account for donations to PDA, please share this link https://pma.pcusa.org/donate/make-a-gift/gift-info/DR000196/, with the indication that the donation is for Taiwan.