The news stories paint a bleak scenario. “Hundreds of thousands affected by enormous earthquake, tens of thousands feared dead, situation worsens as days go by.” We understand the mounting urgency for rescue workers and medical personnel to reach the victims, each passing hour the conditions deteriorate. Five years ago we so a similar situation effect one of the largest gulf coast cities. Hurricane Katina decimated New Orleans’ infrastructure and brought widespread death and chaos. This time an earthquake brings an entire nation to turmoil. The death toll keeps mounting and as each hour passes, more people are discovered or accounted for in the rubble.
While distance may isolate us from this tragedy, our connectional ties with the United Methodist Church, and Christians throughout the world, causes us to see this event through the eyes of Christ. Though the majority of people injured and killed were native Haitians, others were from all across these great states. One email I received informed ministers of the loss of three United Methodists who were in Haiti during the earthquake: “All three have died of injuries suffered in this tragedy. Two of our general agency staff, Rev. Sam Dixon, leader of United Methodist Committee on Relief, and Rev. Clinton Rabb, leader of the Mission Volunteers unit of GBGM (General Board of Global Missions), both died this weekend. Additionally, Jean Arnwine, a member of Highland Park UMC, Dallas, Texas, who was in Haiti on an HPUMC medical mission trip, also passed away.”
But the loss of life does not cause the United Methodist Church to withdraw or separate our churches from Haiti, in fact, it makes our relief efforts that much more personal. And we are not merely responding to an immediate global need. We will remain committed to this country, and others like her, as long as there is suffering and mass poverty. The U.S. military will give immediate assistance and then go home, the U.N. and Red Cross will provide long-term humanitarian relief, but the United Methodist Church will remain in the country for years and decades to come providing spiritual and life-changing assistance. That’s what Christians do, they remain committed until the end.
Many have asked what we can to now. First you can pray; pray for the families and children and everyone drastically affected by this event, pray that God’s mighty hand and amazing grace can be readily seen and received, and pray that all the relief and rescue personnel remain safe and strong in their duties. Second, your contributions can help provide some much needed supplies. Cash is always good and it will be directed through the UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Third, an urgent request comes from UMCOR for Health Kits. These simple kits include very basic health care items that can be distributed during any natural disaster. You can find a detailed listing of needed items below.
Lastly, I would like for all of us to consider participating in some type of mission project this year. The Oklahoma Volunteers in Mission will be organizing teams for Haiti and when we get word on these dates we will pass those along. Don’t let the distance or cultural difference deter you from God’s work. We will be organizing some local projects for our own community members, but also consider going on a short-term, usually a week, mission project beyond our community. The time might not be today, but if you authentically pray and desire to honor God, He will make ways for you to get involved.
Until then, I look forward to seeing you at the care-giving place on Sunday, Travis
Health Kits for Haiti
The United Methodist Committee on Relief put out an urgent request for Health Kits as part of Oklahoma’s response to the disaster. Each health kit provides basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. Health kits are also used as learning tools in personal hygiene, literacy, nutrition and cooking classes. When people gain knowledge and materials to maintain personal hygiene, their overall health improves.
Each kit will contain:
1 hand towel (from 15" x 25" up to 17" x 27")
1 washcloth
1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
1 large tube of toothpaste (4.5 oz. or larger, expiration date must be 6 months or longer)
6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages.
We will gather these items at the church during the next three weeks and send them out. Together we can make a difference.
Here are some links for more information on more ways to help:
