| "Light Up Phuket" - Sixth anniversary of the Tsunami - Sunday 26th December 2010 - by Margaret J Burton
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"... to comfort all who mourn ..." Isaiah 61:2As dusk was approaching on the evening of Sunday 26th December 2010 we joined the crowds gathering at Patong Beach in commemoration of the 6th anniversary of the Tsunami. The Provincial Mayor of Phuket, PaiBoon Upatising, togther with the Mayor of Patong, the Under Minister of Tourism and Sport, representatives from the English, Australian, Italian, Swedish and the Netherlands Consulates, and other invited guests joined with many who came to remember and mourn the loss of loved ones at this "Light Up Phuket" remembrance service.Two poems were written and read out by school children from one of the leading schools in Phuket, vividly describing the events of the Tsunami and the resulting thoughts, feelings, emotions and memories that followed. Awards were also given to schoolchildren from various Phuket schools for their artistic talents depicting the Tsunami.Following this Pastor Brian led those gathered in observing a one minute silence for those who had lost their lives in the Tsunami. After his reading from Isaiah 61:1-3, he then led us in a prayer to comfort those who mourned, and proclaim a blessing upon the people of Phuket, and upon those who visit this island in the hope of a better future as we light up Phuket. He ended by declaring this blessing over Phuket:"Phuket, you are beautiful. You are the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. You are destined to be a Light to this Nation. Phuket, may you receive the blessing of God upon you." Amen!The service concluded with everyone joining together to light candles and place them together with bouquets of flowers at strategic points along the beach. It was a very moving and solemn time as both Thais and foreigners, united by their grief and memories, remembered ... and we thank God that He gave us this opportunity to bring hope to help them to remember Him and be drawn to His Light.
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