Haiti Earthquake Relief
Devastating Quake Jolts Hispaniola
Just like you, I woke up this morning to some terrible news coming from the impoverished Caribbean nation Haiti. Last night, an earthquake rocked the capital city Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area, collapsing thousands of buildings and killing untold numbers of Haitians.
Many Thousands Dead
Early reports suggest that thousands may have lost their lives with many injured. Over the next few days we will get a clearer picture of the carnage, what will likely prove to be the worst temblor to hit the country in more than two centuries.
As expected, many relief organizations are enroute or gathering funds and needed supplies to help out.
I am posting as much relief information as I can find to Word Journey and will update this article as those details become known — feel free to add what you know to the comment section too. In the meantime the following are some of the ways in which you can help in addition to praying for divine intervention. Please click the links for a website connection:
American Red Cross — Designate “Haiti earthquake relief” on your checks and send your donation to the American Red Cross (ARC), P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local ARC chapter. You can also give online. As of this writing ARC has already released $200,000 in aid for Haiti.
Samaritan’s Purse — Relief is already being sent to Haiti with Samaritan’s Purse sending in a disaster response team to provide medical help, shelter, clean water, and hygiene supplies. A charter plane based in Miami is being loaded with supplies right now and will arrive in Haiti today. Canadians can donate through Samaritan’s Purse Canada.
The Salvation Army — The Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response is kicking in with The Salvation Army asking for financial contributions at this time. Also consider donation airline miles (United Airlines Charity Miles Program), which can come in handy to help relief workers get to Haiti once the airport has been reopened.
Doctors Without Borders — Also called Médecins Sans Frontières, Doctors Without Borders is appealing for your help as several of the country’s key medical facilities have been severely damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. Early reports indicate that the largest hospital in Port-au-Prince has been heavily damaged, with far more wounded people to care for than anyone can imagine.
Several organizations have ongoing programs in place to help children including Compassion International and World Vision. If you sponsor a child in Haiti, any additional help that you can provide would be welcome. Communication is down across much of Haiti too which means getting in touch with Haitian contacts will be a challenge right now.
“Father, we ask that you take our limited resources and multiply them to help those in need, comforting the hearts of those who have been devastated, showing your mercy to the Haitian people.”
Update #1 — Thank you one and all for your response to the quake in Haiti. So many of you are trying to find out the best way to help financially and that is good. Let us keep praying to — God is moving the hands of world leaders to responds, including President Obama. Time is of the essence, with the first 72 hours after the quake offering the most promise of recovery.
Photo Credit: Lauri Koski
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LD Jackson | January 13th, 2010 at 7:51 am #
This is indeed terrible news. From the images I have been seeing, the destruction is nearly total in it’s scope and magnitude. I have linked to your post via my own post.
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Laura Spencer | January 13th, 2010 at 8:03 am #
How terrible!
I hope that the injured will be helped and those with losses comforted.
Matthew C. Keegan | January 13th, 2010 at 8:07 am #
@Larry Thank you for your help, Larry. I always feel so overwhelmed by such massive destruction. Praying counts for everything; let’s ask God to help these folks out and to show us what we can do.
@Laura Agreed. What massive destruction. And to a country that is impoverished in the first place. The news is sketchy right now, but we know that the devastation is rampant.
Barry Wallace | January 13th, 2010 at 9:43 am #
Thanks, Matt. My family has sponsored a child in Haiti for several years through Compassion International. We’re very concerned about him this morning. I greatly appreciate your post, brother.
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Matthew C. Keegan | January 13th, 2010 at 9:50 am #
Barry, I pray that your sponsored child is safe. I used to sponsor a child in Haiti years ago, but he “aged” out of the system.
I cannot imagine what these people are going through. Thankfully, our prayers are being heard by our loving Father.
Dominique | January 13th, 2010 at 12:02 pm #
Father, Lord Jesus. I ask for your merciful grace in this moment of tremendous need. I ask for a peace that surpasses all understanding Lord to be unleashed over this area. I ask for wisdom and discernment in how to move forward help these people. I ask for protection for those who are stepping in to help, as well for those, left behind to deal with the aftermath.
Father, I come against the enemy and his minions and any assignments that have been sent against this people. I call those down in the name of Jesus and I ask that your power and glory be manifested.
I thank you, Lord, that even in tragedy, Jesus is always there.
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Matthew C. Keegan | January 13th, 2010 at 12:06 pm #
What a beautiful and poignant prayer, Dominique. All I will add is “yeah and amen.”
Dominique | January 13th, 2010 at 8:39 pm #
Matt – I have linked to and also created a “back link” w/ ping to this for my post tomorrow. Just an fyi.
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Dominique | January 14th, 2010 at 1:08 am #
I linked to your article today.
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Matthew C. Keegan | January 14th, 2010 at 5:33 am #
@Dominique — Thank you so much. I am adding updated information here today too.
scott andrew sillars | January 14th, 2010 at 1:00 pm #
I tried to donate online to samaritans purse as you sugested but could not as i live in canada
Matthew C. Keegan | January 14th, 2010 at 3:14 pm #
I am sorry about that Scott. You can help Haiti by donating through Samaritan’s Purse Canada: http://www.samaritanspurse.ca/
I am changing my information accordingly. Thank you.