Bern, August 24, 2016. The news we are receiving from Italy, fill us with downheartedness. The images that are shown highlight a rather disastrous situation. It is very sad to see women, men – young and old – wandering worried and dismayed among and over rubbles searching any piece of what was once called their home.
My sympathy and affection are with all those who have lost their homes and have been somehow affected by this natural disaster. To all who are mourning and suffering on account of this catastrophe, I would like to dedicate the powerful and comforting promise of Jesus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe in Me as well. In My Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. "John 14: 1–3 (BSB).
Jesus is clearly saying that there will be an end to our sorrow. In other words, a day will come when there will be no more death or any kind of suffering. On that day all who have believed and accepted Him as their savior will have a house close to His and His Father’s.
I pray for all those who are discouraged and are grieving in this moment that the consolation of God and of those who are working to alleviate their suffering may be a help and a balm in these moments of trouble and pain.
Mario Brito
Inter-European Region President.
