And the word of the LORD came again to Zechariah: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'
Zechariah 7:8-10
It's been hard to get a grip on how God is leading me and Hope Chapel Gateway in a compassionate response to the earthquake in Haiti. I've been monitoring blogs, reading Internet news articles, following tweets, and watching TV news. To be honest, at times, I've also been selfishly avoiding all of the above because of the terrible and painful reality in Haiti. But I know that people are looking for the clear call of leadership during this emotional and confusing global disaster.
I'm thankful that today I had the opportunity to be a part of a conference call with Max Lucado of Oak Hills Church, Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church, and Rich Stearns of World Vision International. The subject of the conference call was about the United States churches response to the earthquake in Haiti.
This is what I learned in the conference call...
A Process Response In A Large Scale Disaster
1st Phase: Emergency Response (72 hours - 5 days)
Trained experts and professionals respond to the disaster site.
2nd Phase: Transitional Response (First two weeks)
The United Nations and Non- Government Organizations initiate social transition and community stabilization - food, water, health care, sanitation are restored.
3rd Phase: Recovery Response (2+ years)
Under the leadership of organizations like World Vision International, Child Hope, and Compassion International, people respond to rebuild people and communities. Ministries reach out to people with God's love. Housing, infrastructure, schools, hospitals, churches, and businesses are rebuilt.
Everyone wants to do something now. For the majority of us, the most good you can do now is: Pray and Give. I encourage you to partner with my friends at World Vision International, NewSong Church and New Hope South Bay in their "Love Haiti" campaign. In the "Love Haiti" campaign, each dollar (up to $10,000) will be matched by generous businesses.
I'll be part of a group of Pastors in the South Bay that will be prayerfully planning on sending people for the 3rd Phase, Recovery Response, in the next few months.
In the meantime, pray and give.
QUESTION: What are your thoughts and feelings... and/or How have you responded to the Earthquake disaster in Haiti?
I wrote a big blog post about this subject, too, because I was feeling so helpless. But as I read the missionaries blogs (from missionaries serving in Port Au Prince), I realized the huge power of prayer. I am praying all through the day for the missionaries and the people there. We are also giving up much of our "eating out" budget this month to give to the people of Haiti. It feels almost wrong to be out eating a ton at a restaurant when so many are starving. Even if people can only give a little, they are being obedient. I'm glad you pointed out those links so that our small donation can at least be matched. Thank you!!
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