Helping Haiti

I have been practically glued to the TV watching the news from Haiti. The misery of the people is just heart-wrenching, and of course, I want to be there to help in some way. At this point, the most I can do is to email and post on social networks ways others can help.

I am so proud of the U.S. effort. The Air Force was able to get the airport functional after it had to close down. The earthquake was Tuesday evening; the airport was functional by Wednesday afternoon. Our military knows how to restore order out of chaos and disaster and it shows. I heard that the Brazilian commander of the UN Peacekeeping force was not in Haiti at the time of the earthquake and the U.S. military facilitated his quick return so that he could focus on the UN efforts. Of course, the UN building suffered extensive damage, so I'm sure that is affecting how quickly the UN was able to be helpful in rescue and relief. An aircraft carrier is in Haitian waters and I understand that a hospital ship is coming. This morning, I saw the many planes lined up at the airport carrying relief supplies. It is inspirational -- the number of nations responding quickly with supplies -- Belgium and Ireland are among the countries that have responded in addition to the ones I mentioned in my post yesterday. There are many more. As of this morning, there were also quite a few US military cargo planes (15 I think they said) that were coming in. Now, of course, the problem is in figuring out a way to get those supplies to the people because the roads are blocked with debris and abandoned cars. Now, the roads in Haiti aren't that wide and they aren't as nicely paved as our roads here. Some roads are very good, or were in the past when I was there last. The airport road, for example, was more like a parkway in this country. But, I know the military will get that figured out quickly.

Other than food, water, and shelter for the survivors, the most urgent need will be caring for the injured. I don't know where they will do that -- most of the buildings in Port-Au-Prince have extensive damage. Perhaps they will take the injured by helicopter to other parts of the country? Who knows...I can't imagine the daunting task of the coordinators of the relief efforts in Haiti trying to determine what to do and do that quickly!

If you would like to make monetary contributions, there are many ways to do so. A quick and easy way is to text the word Haiti to 90999. You will be given the opportunity to agree to donate $10 to the International Red Cross. World Vision has a sizable presence in Haiti. Go to http://www.worldvision.org/ to donate. Or http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ or http://www.csiminsitries.org/ . If you would like to donate locally, mail or take a check to West End Assembly of God. Make the check out to WEAG and write "Haiti" on the memo line. West End has already sent money and will be sending more. Cindy Johnson from WEAG is working with missionary Judy Heady to get a team of orthopedic surgeons and relief supplies to Haiti. WEAG's address is 401 Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23229.

Most importantly, please pray fervently and unceasingly for Haiti and for the rescue effort. They will need our help and prayers for a very long time.

I know last night as I got in bed, I was so grateful that I had a bed, shelter and food. My house is not in the best shape but it is livable. I can't imagine what it would be like to be forced to sleep under the stars with no sleeping bag or blanket....and to not know when I would get a drink of water or some food. Or, to know what it's like to be trapped in rubble with all of the dust and debris and wonder if someone will even find me. Or, even worse, to not be able to find or care for my children. Pray, people, pray!!!