We Pray for Haiti
Millions of people have been affected by a major earthquake that struck the country of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12. As the extent of the devastation in Haiti gradually becomes clear, people of faith and good will search for meaningful responses. Our first response is to join our hearts in prayer:
Let us pray,
God of compassion
Please watch over the people of Haiti,
Surround those who have been affected by this tragedy
with a sense of your ever-present love,
and hold them in faith.
Though they are overwhelmed by grief,
May they find in you some comfort;
Guide us as a church
to find ways of providing assistance
that may heal wounds and give hope.
Help us to remember that when one of your children is injured
we all suffer – Amen.
Beyond our prayers, there are other important ways we can help. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has issued an emergency appeal for Haiti. As I write, the exact number of casualties is still not known, nor is the full extent of the damage; however, reports indicate that tens of thousands – possibly hundreds of thousands – of people are feared dead and countless others have been left homeless.
The following is taken from the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) website. “The Haitian infrastructure was already in a fragile state. The earthquake has caused widespread damage of homes and other buildings as well as damage to water, electrical and road systems. Symbols of security such as schools, hospitals and churches have been damaged or destroyed.”
PDA Response
PDA is rushing an initial $100,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to help provide immediate emergency relief to the affected people. Funds are being sent through our ecumenical and local partners working in Haiti.
PC(USA) mission co-worker Carlos Cardenas is joining an ecumenical team through the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance going to Haiti to help with the response and needs assessments.
What you can do
You can stand in the gap for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provide resources needed to assist with immediate and long-term recovery needs.
Individuals may give through your local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site:
https://www.pcusa.org/give/online/projectSelectAction.do?numberString=DR000064
or by sending a check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR000064 – Haiti.
ACT. Stay informed and share information on the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA-RIN email notices to alert you of additional needs. Consider making Gift of the Heart hygiene kits. A shipment of hygiene kits is being prepared by Church World Service to send to Haiti. When widespread disasters occur, there is usually a need to replenish the supply to ensure a sufficient quantity for future disaster situations.
