By now you have heard the news reports of the earthquake in the Caribbean island of Haiti. The scenes of devastation are almost more than our worst fears could imagine. Right now the United States, other nations and international organizations are deploying their aid and resources to help in the rescue, recovery and relief operations. This event comes at a time of already great challenge for the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. With a population of more than 9 million people, 95% of whom are black, the majority of Haitians live on less than $2 a day. Like me, you have probably wondered, "What can I do? How can I help?" As a Christian community, there are several ways we can consider offering our spiritual and substantive support. Let me suggest just a few:
PRAY
James 5:16 says, "The effectual prayers of the righteous availeth much." In other words, what the scriptures teach us is that prayer works!!! In this time of emergency, which demands our hands and our hearts, let us remember the power of intercessory prayer. Hanna prayed and God heard her cry. Elijah prayed and God listened. Daniel prayed and the Lord kept him in a most trying time. LET US PRAY!!! Pray for the health, well being and perseverance of the Haitian people. Pray for the people of Haitian descent in the United States and around the world as they hope for the safety of their families, loved ones and beloved nation. Pray for the relief workers who are now there and coming every day to aid in this crisis. Pray for our world leaders to release the financial resources that will be needed to recover and rebuild this country.
CONTRIBUTE
There are several organizations which have set up relief funds to help in the emergency response. These groups are wide-ranging in focus, mission and services. President Obama, through the White House website, has outlined means by which we all can participate in some substantive way to the relief effort. No amount is too small and no amount is too great. We should all consider what we can give and how we can act. At this moment, the basic necessities of life: water, food, clothing, medicine and shelter are critically important and there are groups and agencies which are well positioned to ensure that these supplies get to the places they are most needed.
TEACH
Right now a new generation is hearing about Haiti for the very first time. They are hearing that Haiti is a country of more than 9 million people, 95% of whom are black. They are hearing that the majority of Haitians live in virtual poverty on less than $2 a day, making it the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. They are hearing that Haiti has been a nation of great instability, violence and political unrest for much of the 20th century. Much of this is true. Yet Haiti's history is great and this is an opportunity in our churches, schools and community centers to tell the story of this great people to a new generation. We should tell them how the once enslaved Haitian people revolted against their oppressors and led by Toussaint L'ouverture, defeated the armies of Spain, Britain and Napoleon's France. On January 1, 1804, Haiti proclaimed itself a free nation independent of sovereign rule. We should tell them how Haiti was instrumental in bringing independence to the South American countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. We should tell them of how the "Windy City", Chicago, the 3rd largest city in the United States was founded by Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, a man of Haitian descent.
Haiti's road to recovery will be long, difficult and full of many challenges but its promise, rooted in its legacy and our faith in God provides us with the hope that this nation and people can rise from this and inspire the world.
To God be the Glory.
The Reverend Jawanza Karriem Colvin, Pastor