MONTREAL, Canada — “This is a disaster the like of which we have never before experienced in Canada,” said Mrs Claire Tremblay, who works at the French-speaking branch of the Canadian Bible Society (CBS). The south-western region of the province of Quebec was hit by an unprecedented ice storm on Monday, January 5, which affected the lives of more than three million people leaving them without electricity. 

Damage caused by the ice storm in Quebec

The ice storm hit hardest in a region bordered by the towns of Granby, St-Hyacinthe and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, which was named the Triangle of ice because of the damage done to huge electricity pylons and 30,000 utility poles. Thousands of people without supple- mentary heating had to be evacuated to hastily-prepared shelters in schools.

After a few days some people in the Montreal region were able to get back to work and things were as normal as they could be given the circumstances, but many homes were still without electricity, heating or light. The phones were still operational but it would take some time to be able to assess the extent of the impact on society, its institutions and facilities, and as far as Bible work is concerned.

“Some people had to survive 15 days without electricity, in the cold and dark,” said Mrs Tremblay. “There have been many cases of broken arms and legs, and at least seven people have died. But what has been remarkable is that it has tested the people of Quebec and the government, and we have seen them rally to help each other.

“It was reported in our church prayer meeting that a couple, who were taken in by a church family with young children, because their own house was uninhabitable, were challenged by the Bible’s message and accepted Jesus as their Saviour,” she said.

She referred to the Scripture in Ecclesiastes 7:14: “When things are going well for you be glad, and when trouble comes, just remember: God sends both happiness and trouble; you never know what is going to happen next.”

The Rev Marcel Gagnon, who was himself among the disaster victims, told of his experience in the Triangle of ice. Members of a Pentecostal church in Iberville, Quebec, were able to continue meeting thanks to a generator provided by the civil protection authorities, and on the first Sunday after the ice storm many told how the Bible had been a source of encouragement to them during this time of trial.

Some read Scriptures that reassured them greatly: in Psalm 107 God sends a mighty storm . . . “In such danger the men lost their courage . . . Then in their trouble they called to the Lord, and he saved them from their distress." (verses 26 and 28). In Psalm 46:1 there are words of comfort: "God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

“This time of hardship gave believers the opportunity to express their concern for one another, as well as helping the more unfortunate members of the community. Churches in the neighbouring province of Ontario and other parts of Quebec delivered canned goods, candles, lamp oil, firewood, batteries and other materials to alleviate the suffering. French New Testaments and Scripture Portions were distributed in several shelters.”

Serge Rhéaume, Director of CBS’ French-speaking branch, said that Scripture Selections published by the CBS had been distributed to many of the disaster victims and that these had been received with joy and gratitude. (WR 329/12 - 3.98) [PHOTOS]