Article August 18, 2008 ISSUE

A GREAT CALM—CAN NATURE BE BORN AGAIN?

BY MARGARET ROGERS

There arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.—Mark 4:37–39

Hurricanes, floods, drought, extreme temperatures, wind-driven wild-fires—weather disasters are never far from the headlines. It would be easy to despair if it weren't for the quieter but heartwarming news of how much creation cares for its human and animal family. Year in and year out, local and global generosity provides rescue, shelter, food, and other necessities in stricken areas.