"Christchurch, we love you."
That was the message about 300 Wanganui people sent out into cyberspace via YouTube last night.
They were gathered at the Virginia Lake punchbowl for a prayer service for people suffering the effects of the Christchurch earthquake, and were filmed shouting that message in unison.
Earlier in the evening,
Central Baptist Church pastor Paul Cornish asked how many had family or friends in the southern city. Many raised their hands.
He said he had two daughters in Christchurch, one of whom was working in the CBD when the earthquake struck, and an elderly relation living at Redcliffs, the suburb crushed by rolling rocks.
His father and mother were both born in Lyttelton.
"That whole main street is never going to be the same again," he said.
The earthquake, coming after one in September, and the Pike River mining tragedy, and in the midst of an economic recession, was a bit like a kick in the guts, he said.
But Christchurch people appreciated others praying for them, and by looking to God's unfailing compassion they would get through this time.
"We are here to focus ourselves on spiritual things, and look to God to gain some perspective."
Deputy Mayor Rangi Wills said the people of Christchurch had lost homes, possessions and infrastructure.
"Every little thing that we can do for them to help them will make their journey back to wellbeing a little bit easier."
He thought of the agony of those waiting to hear the fate of loved ones, and the bravery of rescue crews and medical people working in confined spaces while aftershocks continued.
"We are not immune from the threat of imminent major disaster anywhere in this country," he said, and urged people to be prepared.
The Rev Canon Graham Puru then prayed for both the dead and the living, and people filed forward to light candles and sign books of remembrance.
