If you’re like me you have been overwhelmed by the news of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti a few days ago. Quite frankly I have nothing in my experience that practically relates to the pain and misery that so many of our fellow human beings are facing in this impoverished country. I’m sure that disasters like this bring up many questions for people, including “Why would God allow something like this to happen?” I’m not sure that question can be answered, but I do know that God calls us to respond to situations such as this in parables like the Good Samaritan, where Jesus doesn’t give the reason why a man was robbed in the story, but simply asks us to respond in love (Lk. 25:37). It’s quite clear that Jesus’ perspective on loving our neighbour as ourselves requires something from us. Initiative, sacrifice (time and resources), and compassion. To do nothing would be to miss Jesus’ desire for those who follow him.
Haiti was the poorest in the Western Hemisphere long before it was struck by this recent earthquake. I believe we need to consider how God might be asking us to participate in lovingly helping the suffering people of Haiti. God’s desire is that we “learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Is 1:17 – NIV). For me this clearly relates to the current crisis in Haiti. It is also about being the kind of “people” God has called us to be.
I’m challenging us to respond to this great need, FIRST by praying for the people of Haiti in the following ways (taken from our Denomination’s response to the crisis):
- for the people of Haiti, for the many families in their bereavement
- for our sister church in Haiti, and all God’s people as they seek to respond to the needs around them
- for our Haitian congregations in Canada and the larger Haitian community
- for our government and the governments of other nations that the aid will be judicious and generous
- for restraint of violence and looting (for peace and compassion)
- for the safety of workers
- for weather conditions conducive to rescue efforts and for the cessation of aftershocks
- for effective and efficient distribution of food and water and medical care
- for the meeting of immediate needs
- for generous response to appeals for funds and help
- That the Lord would teach us how to respond and give us the boldness to act
NOTE: If you can, I would encourage you to join me on Sunday Night (Jan. 17) at 7:00 p.m. at the church for a time of corporate prayer for Haiti.
SECOND, God may be asking you to contribute some resources to the tremendous needs befalling Haiti at this time. Here are some suggested ways you can give that will make a difference.
EMCC World Partners (our Denomination’s Missions Agency):
Please send cheques to: Haiti Disaster Relief, 130 Fergus Ave., Kitchener ON N2A 2H2. We will decide on where to respond with donations as information becomes clear (this will likely be with medical aid).
(Online donations – Be sure to designate your contribution for the Haiti Relief Fund)
Donations will be matched by the Government of Canada
Compassion Canada Haiti Disaster relief Fund
Perhaps you have some other ways you believe God is asking you to respond to this crisis. I would love for you to comment about those ideas and perhaps encourage others to participate with you.
I know that God will be honored as we participate with Him in supporting the Haitian people experiencing this disaster. May His peace and power be upon them.
Pastor Bruce.
Bruce Archer
Bernd Heyde
