Do Something Now

Once again our seemingly quiet lives are invaded by images of death and suffering this week as we are reminded of humanity's mortality and how fragile life, peace, and society really is. Everywhere you turn, images of Haitians in desperation flood the airwaves, the web, radio, and print media. The loss of lives is significant but it doesn't end there. Haiti was already suffering due to poverty long before the ground shook. If the residents there thought things couldn't get any worse, they were mistaken.

I believe God knew this was going to happen - which is why for no apparent reason, and just after the Christmas season, the message we were given last Sunday (the 10th) was on the Joy of Giving. And regardless of what we know about the history of this particular country and regardless of how we feel about who's to blame for its seemingly unending fight against poverty (i.e. according to some history, it's been the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere for at least more than 100 years), the fact remains that today, 3 Million people are in the brink of desperation...unless we can do something about it.

I applaud our administration for taking the lead in the international effort to stabilize the country - but it's going to take more than a couple of weeks of military aid and food airdrops to bring it back to a functioning society. To that end, I urge all of us in the church to do what we can and partner with any of the organizations actively working in that part of the world right now.
I realize that many of us are not exactly overflowing with resources, but remember also that giving to the work of the Lord is not only a form of worship, but when it is sacrificial, it is a sweet aroma, pleasing to God.

There are many organizations that we've worked with in the past who are already in the region and were themselves victims of this disaster, yet they are there making a difference in the lives of the Haitians. So I say, let's partner with them because we all have a part in alleviating the suffering of our fellow man.

Here are a few links to get you started:

• World Vision has always been a trusted organization. They are organized and in place and have experience dealing with disasters around the world.
  

• World Concern is also already on the ground in Port-Au-Prince and in spite of their losses, continues to fulfill the call of Christ to help.

Both of these organizations are locally based (WV is in Federal Way while WC is a ministry of Crista Ministries in Shoreline) and have a long history of integrity in their ministries.

Whatever you do I ask that you do not let this week go by without at least making a donation - I'm not asking for loose change - I'm urging church folks to make at least one sacrificial gift as a form of worship to God. We may not be able to physically lift people out of the rubble or personally hand out survival kits, but we can certainly be partners to those who are there.

God bless you all.