Everyone, can we just take a moment to pray.

[Sandra Wu-San]

The day after Christmas and Southern Asia has been hit with a major earthquake. News about the deaths is uncertain, but last time I checked it was over 9,500 people from 7 different countries, and is expected to keep on rising. This is just unbelievable and just take some time out of your day to pray, meditate, or whatever your belief allows you to do and just hope that these people are all okay.
Map/News (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/041226/photos_ts/asia_quake_map)

[Heinrich]

Thank you for the message. WE WILL PRAY for them!

[Goose]

Well, i dont pray, but my heart goes out to them. I hope that the deaths are held to the smallest number possible. Lets hope that they all get as much help as humanly possible plus some.

[Aeturnus]

Aye, I will. I wonder if India was hit...:(

I'll also pray for Reggie White, a football hero and good role model.

[weezer_10]

Thankyou for the heads-up Sandra, I will definitely remember those affected in my prayers today.

[EmperorNorton]

Reports mention 11000 deaths now and a million people who lost their home.
Prayers are good and all, but they need money at least as badly...

[Crispy331]

:( :sleep: :( :sleep:

[shazam256]

Thanks for the thread Sandra Wun-San. That was good of you to mention it. GOD BLESS those people in Asia. It is a tragedy what nataural diasters can do, it a shame. Though that is a function and behavior of this planet. Our Father who art in heaven...........

[hail_eris]

For those who would like to act in this world as opposed to the next, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent has launched an appeal for 7.5 million Swiss francs (about US$6.7 million). They are already on the ground in Sri Lanka, but their emergency fund is going to be drained pretty quickly by the logistical challenges posed by such widespread devastation. Make a donation by clicking here (http://www.ifrc.org/helpnow/donate/donate_response.asp). Oxfam (http://www.oxfam.org), Save the Children (http://www.savethechildren.net/alliance/get_involved/main.html), and UNICEF (http://www.unicef.org/support/index.html) are also on the scene. Ironically, relief efforts may be made easier simply because the major NGOs already have such a widespread presence in the area. I'm sure the prayers are appreciated, but there are a million displaced people who need clean water, shelter, and medication to deal with the typhus and cholera outbreaks that are sure to come.

[supergoblin]

And don't forget a missing crown prince.