OSLC Community News: Project Haiti Relief
There are times in life when an event hits that is so overwhelming as to be difficult to comprehend. Such was the event that hit Haiti in January. I cannot fathom a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, but I have seen on CNN and other news stations the unbelievable destruction that has taken place. The pictures (and sounds) of pain and death are haunting and my heart aches for the families and victims of this tragedy. Some estimate the death toll to be 100,000 and the Red Cross has indicated about one-third of Haitians (3 million people) are affected by the earthquake.
In these types of natural disasters, it is always the poorest who suffer most. What little they may already have is taken from them. As they struggle to survive...finding clean water and food...as well as medical care...they are often pushed to the edge of survival.
Of course, tragic moments like these bring out the best in global citizens as we put aside our differences and unite to support the victims and their families (unless you are named Pat Robertson who said this disaster was caused - supposedly by God - due to Haiti's "pact with the devil." Robertson talked about this on a TV show called the "700 Club".) I am always saddened by a religious leader who makes statements of this type. The God I know is not interested in this type of natural destruction on a people because the God I know is already with the people who have been hardest hit and is working within the global Christian community to bring healing and help to the people of Haiti.
Our Saviour will be joining with the global community to bring aid and help to the people of Haiti. During the entire liturgical season of Epiphany (today through February 16th) we will suspend our other areas of support to make a concerted effort to get aid to Haiti through Canadian Lutheran World Relief. The Government of Canada has set aside 50 million dollars to match dollars raised for humanitarian aid to Haiti and CLWR will be applying for this aid (deadline Feb. 12th). Please pray for the people of Haiti and consider making a donation through OSLC's Haiti Relief Appeal in cooperation with CLWR. Your gift is tax deductable and will be included in your year end tax receipt from OSLC.