Update on Volcano Eruption

The above photo is from 2006, the last eruption of Mount Merapi which lasted 7 minutes and killed 2 people. I haven't been able to find any photos of this Monday's actual eruption, perhaps because it happened as night was falling? I'm not sure. The eruption on Monday was a series of 3 eruptions over about 90 minutes, expulsions of hot air and ash. It was considered to be much more powerful than the 2006 event. Volcanologists are expecting more activity from the mountain soon, as no magma or lava has yet been released.

To date, the news estimates that about 30 people died in Monday's eruption.

A spiritual battle is also at play here. Mount Merapi is a spiritual focal point in this region. A spirit or spirits are said to live in the mountain. The mountain's spiritual gatekeeper, Mr. Maridjan (pictured below) died at his home less than 4 km from the top of the volcano on Monday. He was responsible for interceding with the mountain's spirits and for fulling the cermonials (including blood sacrifice). His death is one of the biggest stories in the local news. He chose not to leave the mountain as eruption neared, and was found burned to death with his body bowed in an attitude of prayer. People are concerned about who is successor will be, and who will help protect them from the mountain spirits.


Some of you are wondering about the safety of our family. We've received e-mails from you expressing concern, and our hearts are encouraged! We are fine. This volcano is kind of in our backyard, but Merapi is erupting to the south in the opposite direction from us. In addition, we are protected in large part by another dormant volcano, Mount Merbabu. (In the photo below, Merapi is on the left and Merbabu is on the right.) If Merapi were to erupt in our direction, it is likely that Merbabu would protect us from any lava flows and most of the heat from ash. None of our local friends and neighbors are at all concerned.



While Mount Merapi has claimed 30 lives this week, the tsunami on the west part of this country has killed many more. A small, remote group of islands was severely attacked by the 10 foot waves and over 300 people are confirmed dead with hundreds more missing. Aid ships and planes are arriving now and providing help.

Please pray for this country. Natural disasters abound and the spiritual needs are great.