Remembering Sandsville

There had been a tragic earthquake in Sandsville, a hundred miles away, and several thousand people had died (the exact number was still not known). The television showed pictures of collapsed buildings and distraught people. Experts were interviewed and they explained how the earthquake had occurred.

Pastor Tim prayed for those suffering and went about his day: preparing a sermon, visiting St Cuthbert’s Hospital, attending a church council meeting. The earthquake was mentioned by everybody. Then home to dinner with his wife Tilly and their two small children. “It’s all so terribly sad,” she said. They ate sausages and mashed potatoes, and afterwards the children, Molly and Matt, were allowed to spend ten minutes watching clowns falling over on television.

The earthquake continued to feature in everyone’s awareness over the next few weeks. The television had a death toll counter in the corner of the screen, as more victims were discovered. The government announced a day…