Haiti

  The situation in Haiti shows us all the fragility of life and the utmost importance of caring for one another.  Certainly, to an extent, we in the United States and North Alabama carry with us a weight of sadness for the Haitian people, but we will never know the historic toll this disaster will take on, what is already, the poorest country in this hemisphere.  Having been to Haiti, I have witnessed a poverty which I have never seen in other countries, but have seen and talked with the extraordinary and kindhearted people which live there.  Haiti will never be the same again, and a quick look at photos from the ground by the AP and other media outlets will reveal harrowing images of the loss of human life and spirit which have taken place there (warning, some of the images in this link may be graphic).

The Haitian people are a largely oppressed population by many in the Western world, including heavy prejudice from a few (not all) of the population in their neighboring country, the Dominican Republic.  

I would urge all our of churches to not only remember Haiti now, but 2 months from now, 1 year down the road, and even for decades after the media has left and after buildings and lives become whole again.  This is an opportunity for education not only about Haiti but about service and what we can do for those in need.  I was touched when one church member called me this week and asked what on-going relationships they could establish in Haiti so that their church could work with the country after our disaster response teams had left.  Service is a commitment for a lifetime, not just for weeks at a time.  I hope that this dire situation not only helps us serve those in Haiti, but also those around us living in poverty and injustice as well, and helps us all to become the church that Christ envisioned.  

Haiti matters--not only to the people living in that country but to us in the United States as well.  We must remember that as Christians we are so inextricably linked to others around the world--for God's creation and love extends all over the globe.

At this time, monetary donations are best--this allows us to buy what is needed now, and also help to stimulate the local Haitian economy and businesses which have also been devastated.  Next health kits will go a long way to serving those in that country.  

Continue to pray and serve.  Blessings,

-Matt

Rev. Matt Lacey, Director of Mission and Advocacy

By: Matt Lacey On 1/19/2010
Topics: Missions and Advocacy