Sadly, it’s not such a happy start to 2020 here as we have been put into an official 7 day ‘State of Emergency’ on the east coast of Australia. Our beautiful sunburnt country is in great need, it’s on fire!
Fires are burning out of control in every state, the worst hit States are our Eastern States…where my family & I live…
Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, whole communities have been burnt to the ground, 15 million acres of forests, native bushland & farms have been consumed by these insatiable fiery beasts.
Our unique native wildlife scorched beyond saving, needing to be put down. Sadly many people have lost their lives trying to defend their homes, including our brave rural fire fighters trying to protect others.
Our Defence Force have been bought in to help our extremely courageous volunteer fire fighters who are now exhausted. As they have been fighting fires for over 30 days.
Drought & Firestorms
The cause of this unprecedented fire season is the ongoing widespread drought Australia has been experiencing for years. Everything is so crisp & dry, that it only takes an extremely hot day 40+°C (104+° F) combined with hot winds & the Bush ignites.
We’re all on high alert…with Fire plans in place & precious belongings ready to go if evacuation notice received, as we did in the Fire Storm that hit our area last time. Which was an extremely scary personal experience!
In times like these I see the very best in my fellow Australians, they come together to help each other out. Though there are a few who in their fear & anxiety get angry, unfairly directing it at our leaders.
As we sip our tea today my friend, I invite you to join me in a time of prayer…
For rain, for wisdom for Australia’s leaders in this extreme & dangerous Fire season, for the brave volunteer Fire fighters who are giving up their jobs & time with their own families to go protect other’s lives, families & properties.
If you are comfortable in joining me, shall we pray…
Heavenly Father, first of all thank you for your love & care for us, which surpasses all understanding. We come before your throne of grace to request rain for Australia, a replenishing & rejuvenating rain please Father that will extinguish the raging fire storms.
We also pray for those in positions of power to have your wisdom in these extreme emergency situations. And we pray for the brave men & women who are fighting fires at the moment, that they be given renewed strength & energy for the task, as well as your protection so no more lives are lost. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
Thank you for visiting here today I really appreciate our tea times together. Bless you my dear friend…
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
© 2020 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, All Rights Reserved. Photo on Pexels.com
Tea With Jennifer, living Grace one day at a time... 
Yes, indeed, Jennifer. I keep looking for you here and updates as I watch with horror what is happening in Australia. It looks in some of the scenes as if hell itself has descended on your beautiful land. That prayer and others will continue to resonate in my heart until you all are safe and the rain has come and the fire has abated.
Stay safe and God’s love and grace surround you and yours.
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Thank you Pam, your prayers are truly appreciated. Yes that is an apt description of what it is like in many situations here, hell.
My sister has fiery embers landing in her yard from one of the fire storms in her region.
My dear parents are all packed & ready to go as soon as they receive notice in their area.
It’s of great concern indeed as many areas here are surrounded by bushland & even major arterial roads have been cut off, isolating people in the fire zones.
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I cannot truly imagine the horror or the fear that must be gripping so many hearts. God help you all.
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Praying for you all!
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Thank you Llyod! 🙂
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Jennifer, this is so tragic. Amen to your prayer, and my hubby and I will be praying for your beautiful Australia…for you and your family’s personal safety, for the sky to open up with rain, for your brave fire fighters, and your leaders. May your country call upon the Father and Creator to send rain.
We are not immune to the tragedy of nature where we live, I feel the urgency and the fear that can overpower you. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that God has you in His hands.
Sending hugs and prayers,
Pam
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Thank you Pam I appreciate your prayers, my dear Mum & Dad were given notice to evacuate their home as they’re between two out of control fire storms…they live 5 hours from here…it is concerning. But resting in His peace…
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I was reading about the fires today, it is very concerning. Prayers for your Mum & Dad.🙏🏻
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Bless you Pam ♥
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Heartbreak but lifting prayers up for this situation!!❤️
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Thank you your prayers are appreciated! 🙂
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Will continue to say this lovely prayer until the fires are gone. Be safe and take care.
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Thank you for your precious prayer support! 🙂
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I’ll be praying your prayer daily with you. May God keep you safe.
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Thank you Lorie, we truly need it as today has been declared catastrophic fire conditions…with temperatures & winds…
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Your country is in the news and on my mind. Praying for you and your beautiful land and fellow countrymen! Stay safe, friend!
Laurie
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Yes, its extremely concerning here, today it will reach 40°+C with high winds, there are multiple fires burning with some expected to join into mega firestorms. My parents & sister are in these zones. Thank you for your prayers.
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I was afraid that the part of Australia on fire was where you lived. I will keep praying for all of you.
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Thank you Elizabeth, we need it!
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Today’s pictures looked even worse. Prayers continue.
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Yes the fires were fanned by strong winds & hot temperatures of 48°C (119°F) here yesterday…my parents have had to evacuate their home… praise God they got to safety! We desperately need rain. We continue to pray.
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Yes! I’ve heard the fires are bad. Praying.
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Thank you! They’re catastrophic in 3 states now.
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Hi Jennifer, I’m continuing to pray for you and all Australians. May God grant rain, stillness of wind, and cooler conditions so that the fires can be contained. Praying for all those displaced, those who have lost loved ones, and the countless firefighters working day and night. May God be with you all.
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Your prayers are greatly appreciated Joy! Thank you!
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Amen… Love and prayers continue for all, dear Jennifer. ❤
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Thank you! ♥
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Thank you for this post, and the reminder. I will most certainly be praying for you and all of your fellow Australians. I am so sorry for you. Hugs and prayers 🤗💚🙏🙏🙏
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Thank you Lisa, we appreciate it!
It’s a waiting game at the moment for us as we don’t know whats happened to my parents home. They have been safely evacuated but their home is in the area where the firefighters are battling to gain control against the firestorm.
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I can’t even imagine. We live in the western US and there have been many fires here in past years. It is so heartbreaking because of the lack of control. I do hear about your fires on the news, but reading your post helps me understand how real it is. 😢🙏
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Yes, we had a scary past experience where we were cut off from escape in the fire zone shared in Firestorm
It’s definitely a concerning time for Australians living on east coast at the moment.
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It’s so sad to see how much devastation the fires are bringing to Australia. Praying that the rain will come and put them out, and that you and your family are safe.
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Thank you Lesley, it truly is heart breaking.
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Praying for your country!
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Thank you Anita!
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I’ve been praying and wondering, so thank you for this update.
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You’re welcome Michele & thank you for your prayers & concern. They are greatly appreciated!
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