There is already a plethora of information available about the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that has ravaged Haiti, as well as the urgent petitions toward Haiti relief. So the present state of affairs surrounding this tragedy is not the full thrust of this article.
The focus of this article is to outline specific ways to PRAY for Haiti. Prayer is the most valuable commodity we can give, in addition to funds.
Having visited Haiti in 1996 for a medical mission effort, I can confirm that the poverty is vast, and the infrastructure is broken--so the pictures you see of the devastation is horrifically real. If you have little to begin with, disaster can easily sweep that away. Rebuilding of this nation will literally begin at ground zero. However, this is an opportunity to see God's hand at work to restore Haiti on a more solid foundation, rather than its past foundation of corruption, poverty and rape of its people.
Focused prayer will be instrumental in seeing this accomplished. Here are six ways to pray for Haiti:
- Pray that aid reaches the people in a timely fashion and has its most effective work. Government and private-sector aid has been delayed for many days because of the broken infrastructure, compounded by gangs of marauders who are blocking roads with dead bodies and terrorizing people. Order needs to be restored to the clogged airport and other essential ports of entry, and enforcement needs to be put in place against criminal behavior, so that vital food, clean water, and supplies can be delivered. Lives and the survival of a people is at stake.
- Pray for agencies already on the ground to be able to effectively give aid in the midst of the devastation. Doctors without Borders is performing procedures in open shelters, as most of the hospitals have been destroyed. The American Red Cross and North Haiti Christian University is also on the ground, reaching out and giving aid to the best of their abilities.
- Pray that the search and rescue workers are able to locate anyone who is still alive. This is essential, delicate work, done against the clock. The Los Angeles County Fire Department's 72-member Urban Search and Rescue team has been deployed, as well as other search and rescue teams from Virginia and Salt Lake City. Time is critical for trapped victims as dehydration, crush injuries, fractures and pressure on the respiratory system from dust and debris takes its toll.
- Pray for those who have lost loved ones and colleagues. Alex Larsen, Haiti's minister of health, has announced that an estimated 750,000-1 million people are homeless, more than 50,000 have died, and around 250,000 are injured. The American Red Cross has run out of body bags, and the dead are being buried in mass graves. Other Haitians are trying to dig graves in order to give their family or friends a final resting place, while many have no idea whether their family or friends are dead or alive. The agencies that were on the ground before the earthquake have also suffered losses, yet continue their aid work. The sheer magnitude of this grief is like an open sore, that only God can heal.
- Pray for Godly leaders who will do good for the nation and work toward not only rebuilding infrastructures, but hope and confidence in its people. Since 1804, when Haiti gained its independence from France, it has a more than 200-year history of dictators and leaders who have robbed the people of their lives, dignity, resources, and hope. Dr. Francois "Papa Doc" Duvalier, his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc," and Jean-Bertrand Aristide are the most contemporary examples. I think it is no accident that even the presidential palace is now in ruins. I see this as symbolic of the destruction of the former rule. Pray for a new rule to take its place that is based in godliness, and done for the good of the Haitian people.
- Pray for the Gospel to bring hope, healing and a positive impact, and for churches, ministries and parachurch agencies to have their most effective work.
The U.S. State Department instructs Americans who are seeking information about family members in Haiti to call (888) 407-4747. Due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording. Understandably, communications are difficult at this time.
Here is a short list of reputable agencies to whom you can can contribute money:
American Red Cross. You can contribute on the website, or from your cell phone, text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10.00 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, and charged to your cell phone bill.
Fonkoze USA to benefit Clinique St. Michel
Yele Haiti. This is Wyclef Jean's grassroots organization. You can also use your cell phone to text "YELE" to "501 501" to donate $5.00 toward Haiti relief. It will be charged to your cell phone bill.
Comments
Just wondering why Heart to Heart International is not on the list of organizations. hearttoheart.org
Jennifer, you've touched on something for everyone. Thanks for an expanded view of how we can help Haiti.
Thank you both, Rhonda and Delores. Delores, it is not an exhaustive list, simply the ones that I know of who I consider reputable. Unfortunately, There are many scams going around.
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