Crisis in Haiti — What We Can Do to Help

Saturday, January 16, 2010

The Haitian Red Cross estimated that between 45,000 and 50,000 died, with another 3 million hurt or homeless, in the late-afternoon 7.3 magnitude temblor that struck near the Haitian capital of Port au Prince. Much of the country, particularly areas around Port au Prince are totally destroyed. We have also received reports that Hôpital Sainte Croix (Holy Cross Hospital) in Leogane, a major focus of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission in Haiti for decades, collapsed and is completely destroyed.

Presbyterian Personnel
Two Presbyterian Church (USA) missionaries in Haiti have been accounted for. PC(USA) missionary Mark Hare is safe and uninjured. On the ground reports are available on Mark Hare's blog. Sharyn Babe sustained leg and back injuries in the quake and has been medically-evacuated to Cuba.

Three PC(USA) mission teams from local churches in New Jersey, Georgia, and Virginia who were in Haiti when the quake hit have also reported that they are safe.

As of Thursday, January 14, 2010, $109,000 had been received in donations for Haiti.  This has enabled Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to increase the amount of funds sent to Haiti response to $209,000.  PDA has committed to providing at least $500,000 towards the response.

Alan Smith, husband of Rev. Lissa Smith of Canyon Hills Pres, is part of the California Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 5 being sent to work in Haiti.  Keep him and the team in your prayers as they prepare to directly confront this tragedy.

What You Can Do
Give - Financial support for relief efforts can be made online and designated to DR000064.
Act – Congregations and individuals can put together hygiene kits and baby kits to be distributed through Church World Service. For information, visit the PDA Web site.
Pray – Join with others in lifting up the people of Haiti and those seeking to provide aid in this critical time. Worship resources are available. Prayer from Bruce Reyes-Chow, Gradye Parsons, and Linda Valentine.