The Earthquake's Impact

Robert Hsu, May 20, 2008

The earthquake that shook western China just over a week ago was one of the most devastating disasters of our time. The magnitude-7.9 earthquake has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people, and the death toll is rising by the day.

And the most tragic part, in my opinion, is the loss of so many children. It is so sad how the lives of schoolchildren were cut short. And considering China's one child policy that was implemented in the 1980s, countless many families are left to mourn the loss of their only child. My heart goes out to those harmed or affected by this natural disaster, and please join me in prayer for them.

Thankfully, China has responded quickly to the disaster and has done everything in its power to help those affected by it. The Chinese government has sent in rescue workers to free survivors from the rubble and air dropping food, drinking water, tents and medicine. And immediately after the earthquake, Beijing announced its willingness to accept international aid and rescue efforts -- unlike Myanmar, which has unfortunately accepted little foreign aid to recover from the cyclone that rocked the country a few weeks ago.

Although China is still cleaning up and recovering from the earthquake, there is much hope among the Chinese. I have talked about this perseverance of the Chinese many times before, and within the past week, I have seen it once again in full force. So many are working endless hours to find survivors and rebuild their lives, and they are all keeping hope about the future. When all is said and done, I know that the Chinese will be a stronger people, and China will be a stronger country, because of this hard-working, hopeful attitude pushing them forward.

Even though this earthquake was a terrible disaster and we could keep our focus on those affected by it, I know that you are wondering how it is affecting China's economy. I want to briefly let you know that I don't think that the disaster will have any long-term negative affects on China's economy. I think that the country will work through this tragedy and come out even stronger on the other side.

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