A ship's doctor, an earthquake and a Scripture Union story
3rd February was the 90th anniversary of the Napier Earthquake disaster which took 256 lives and injured thousands. Medical folk rushed to the scene, among them Scotsman John Laird, ship’s doctor on board the SS Northumberland in Napier Harbour.
In the previous days berthed in several ports, Laird had met Christians keen to get Crusader groups formed in NZ schools. Shortly after the earthquake when he became General Secretary of the Crusader Union, his experience of this tragedy opened doors for him to speak in many boys’ schools. The Crusader movement grew bringing blessing to thousands.
Our society has changed and schools today cope with many difficulties affecting their students. Our Āpōpō programme promoting mental health awareness is one new initiative.
For more on the history of Scripture Union in Aotearoa New Zealand click here.