Haiti emergency appeal

I don’t imagine for one minute you need me to tell you about the devastating events in Haiti this week. But I’ve decided to publish the details for the Christian Aid emergency appeal, which is where I’m donating something. There are, of course, many alternatives that you may prefer. I don’t know if Christian Aid is the best, but I’ve donated through them before, and it’s the one both of our Archbishops are recommending. But, please, if you’re able, donate something — these people desperately need our help.

Haiti earthquake appeal

Christian Aid has launched an emergency appeal for Haiti after a major earthquake struck the country. Thousands of people are dead, many are buried alive and countless have been left homeless.

We are releasing £100,000 for immediate emergency relief to help those affected, and we hope to send more.

Watch a video of Nick Guttman, Head of Christian Aid’s Humanitarian Division, explaining what’s happened in Haiti and why we need your help:

From the Archbishop of Canterbury:

“I am profoundly shocked and concerned to hear about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. As the news comes through, we are learning more about the tragic loss of life, injury suffered and terrible damage to the country. We stand alongside all the people in Haiti affected by this terrible disaster in prayer, thought and action as the situation unfolds. We pray for the rescue of those still trapped and look towards the rebuilding of lives and communities.

I commend the swift action of the Department for International Development and the relief agencies and churches in mobilising an emergency response. In this time of catastrophic loss and destruction, I urge the public to hold the people of Haiti in their prayers, and to give generously and urgently to funding appeals set up for relief work.”

From the Archbishop of York:

I think at times like this our reaction as Christians must always be one of passionate engagement. As John Donne said ‘No one is an island entire of itself. Any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in humanity’.

For the lives that are left, we need a response that asks not to understand but to do all we can to change the situation in whatever ways that are open to us. Why not give to Christian Aid today and make a difference?

And here’s a link to the Christian Aid website (here), where you can read more about what they’re trying to do, and donate some badly needed funds.

A prayer for Haiti

Loving God of creation,
at this time of devastation
we hold before you the people of Haiti.
When the damage is unimaginable,
and the suffering seems overwhelming,
remind us that every person affected
is loved, honoured and precious in your sight.
We remember all those who have been hurt;
all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Work through us to bring healing
to broken and distorted lives,
peace to those who have been thrown into despair,
light to those in darkness,
and hope to those who fear.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
in whom all life and grace is found.