Andy's Blog: A Personal Word
January 19, 2010
Jan. 19, 2010We have all been moved by the pictures of the recent disaster in Haiti, already the poorest country in our hemisphere. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake which struck that nation last week left tens of thousands dead, and hundreds of thousands homeless. Among the fatalities were United Methodist missionaries Rev. Clinton Robb, who organized missions volunteers for the church, and Rev. Sam Dixon, head of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. They were in Haiti to attend meetings about ongoing mission work to that nation. Both lost their lives when the hotel in which they were meeting collapsed. Jean Arnwine was a member of a 12 person Medical Mission Team from the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. That church has been sending teams to Haiti since 1976. Arnwine, on her first trip to Haiti, died from injuries sustained during the quake. We mourn the loss of these and the many thousands who died.
We also remember that Jesus told us that even as we have done it unto the least of these…we have done to Him. The United Methodist Church is already sending supplies. We will be present in Haiti for many years to come to help with rebuilding. Right now, we are asking these things:
• Health Kit Assembly - Health Kits are being sent now. You can assemble these kits or bring items needed for them to the church (There are collection bins around the building). See page 4 for details and a full list of items needed.
• Money - We will be working through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in the short term and long term. I am asking and praying that Trinity give at least $30,000 to a special offering for this purpose. You can mark your checks Haiti and mail them or drop them in the offering plate.
• Pray - It is hard to even imagine the magnitude of suffering we are witnessing. Let us pray for healing and hope for God’s children in Haiti.
Let us be a part of what God is doing to bring that healing and hope in the midst of disaster.
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