“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26
I’m having a crazy week this week and will be heading out of town tomorrow. So I gave myself permission not to send out devotions this week. But I feel a need to send this note today.
Only the most callous of hearts would not be breaking at the news of the devastation that Tuesday’s hurricane has brought to the desperately poor country of Haiti. The situation there is beyond imagination for those of us who haven’t experienced what they are going through.
The earthquake was naturally indiscriminate. From the wealthiest to the poorest of the poor, thousands have been killed and thousands upon thousands are living in shock, grief and fear.
When tragedy strikes, the Body of Christ mobilizes support. “If one member suffers, all suffer together.”
It is times like this – for a Lutheran like me – that I am reminded of the work that we are able to do together as a whole church that we simply can’t do as individual congregations.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is already responding to the critical needs of survivors in Haiti. Thankfully, the Lutheran offices and staff on the island were spared in the earthquake, making it possible for work to begin immediately. Staff there will focus their immediate efforts on issues of water safety and sanitation, assisting with medical triage, and providing emergency sheltering for the many who are now homeless. The ELCA has long-standing relationships in Haiti through several organizations and the Lutheran Church in Haiti.
In anticipation of your generous gifts, ELCA Disaster Response has authorized $250,000 for immediate relief assistance in Haiti, with the possibility for an additional $500,000 as the full scope of this disaster continues to become clear. Your gifts are needed now to make this type of rapid response possible.
While volunteers, especially skilled workers, will likely be needed in the coming months, the situation on the ground is still far too chaotic – no water, no power, few roads, and very limited communication – to support volunteers traveling to the area in the immediate days.
There are two easy ways you can give:
1. Go to this web site:
https://community.elca.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=538
2. Credit card by phone: 800.638.3522
Certainly there are many organizations that will be providing on the ground relief. Give to the organization of your church, but do give. It is the first thing we can do.
Let us pray: Dear Lord, let our prayers join those being lifted up around the world in concern for our suffering brothers and sisters in Haiti. Hear those prayers and let them inspire us to do what we can to help. We know that tragedies happen – use us as your own to relieve suffering and bring hope wherever we can. Be with all who are grieving lost loved ones, those in positions of responsibility that they lead well, and those who are able to bring relief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
January 15, 2010 at 2:08 pm |
Thank you. Sometimes you must wonder if your messages are being heard…if they mean anything to anyone. You are heard, people do care.
February 11, 2010 at 2:44 pm |
We’re missing your thought-provoking messages. Hope all is well with you and that we will hear from you again when you schedule permits. God bless you!
May 6, 2010 at 12:12 pm |
I have been away from the loop with football too much time. I loved it as a youngster, growing up. Being from Texas, it had been always the Cowboys. In those days, the heroes were Roger Staubach and Tom Landry. Later on, after moving to California, I found myself often rooting for John Brodie of the 49ers, but it really really was always Cowboys in the event the two came head-to-head. Right now, I’m retired. The constraints of output deadlines, personal projects and endless errands have declined. And I wax nostalgically for the gridiron along with the excitement of the tournament. Yes, I will be watching much more football. You can bet on it.
November 30, 2010 at 9:20 am |
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