Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

Ravenshoe:

By now most of you would have heard the news in regard to the terrible explosion at about midday on Tuesday at the "Serves You Right Cafe" in Ravenshoe. 

We give thanks that no-one was killed.  However, I acknowledge that there are a number of people critically injured and some have now been flown to a Brisbane hospital.   Many others were hospitalised either in Cairns, Townsville or Atherton. 

Yesterday at 12.30pm The Reverend Canon Bill Woodland along with the other clergy of the Parish and people from the community lead a service of worship for the victims and the community.  The Police Minister, politicians and other dignitaries, as well as the press were present at the service.

I thank the people of the Parish for putting the service together at a time when people are still in shock and the reality is still hitting home.  It is my understanding that the Church has kept its doors open for prayer. 

I ask that this Sunday, each Parish pray for the injured, those caring for them and all who are providing support, as well as those who are investigating this unfortunate event.  We also give thanks to the various services such as the Police, SES, Ambulance and other people who offered first aid and assistance. 

It will take some time for the community and people to adjust from such a disaster. 

This is the second terrible disaster in the main street of Ravenshoe in my time in the Diocese.  Please uphold the people of the area in your prayers well after this week. 

I know I have said this before, but keep praying.  Robin and I knew a paediatrician who used to say that the Church did not get it right at times.  He said when a young person died, at first people were supportive with flowers, phone calls and cards and the like.  However at six weeks the surviving relatives felt very lonely, because the phone stopped ringing, the sympathy cards stopped coming and people often did not ask how they were going.  As I have said, this was a valuable learning for me.

So please keep praying for the various members of the community as they adjust to their new situation. 

The Diocesan Computer Server:

Unfortunately, the server at the Registry is not working properly.  It is my understanding that the server failed twice yesterday.  A new server is on order.  Because the computer is used by the Stores on the Cape, the changeover will be on a Monday as this is the day the stores are closed. 

I do apologise for this inconvenience.  Earlier in the year we had troubles with the NBN being connected. It is my hope that the second half of the year will be smoother in terms of the computer and technology. 

The Reverend Chris Yule:

The Reverend Chris hopes to return to active ministry from about the 24th June.  Please keep praying for Chris as he continues to recover.

Rain:

I am in Cairns this week.  It has rained for most of the week.  However, I am aware that the rain has not extended to the West.  Please keep praying for some rain for the folk out West.  Some people have suggested to me that if it rained now it would be unseasonable.  That is true, but some rain for domestic purposes would be most welcome.  Also if it rained it would provide hope.

I am not sure of the impact of the rain on the sugar harvest. 

Prayers for Peace:

Please continue to pray for peace in the Middle East.

Wishing you every blessing.

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

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