The Children of Haiti Are In Tears (copy 1)
The images are of shattered buildings, draped bodies still lying in the streets, injured people awaiting medical attention, and faces with empty stares still shocked by the impact of the earthquake. Haiti, the poorest nation in the Caribbean has been dealt yet another tragic blow.
First and foremost I ask that you pray for the people devastated by the earthquake.
A Prayer for the Victims of the Earthquake in Haiti
Holy God, source of life, lover of souls, out of the depths we call to you; in the face of incomprehensible anguish and sorrow, we lift the cries of our distress and implore you to show mercy upon those who are suffering from the destruction of the earthquake in Haiti.
We pray for those who have died and for their loved ones who grieve. asking you to hold them in the arms of your love; we pray for those who have been injured in body, mind or spirit and ask you to heal them; we pray for those who are homeless and wandering, for families torn asunder and ask you to shelter them.
Strengthen the hands and hearts of those who assist in relief efforts and grant us all firm resolve to stand with our neighbors who are in need, to love them and to offer our generous support of them in this their time of trouble; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
The situation is grave. More than three million people have been impacted with homes destroyed and infrastructures damaged, and in many cases beyond repair, The Cathedral, Holy Trinity complex, and the convent of St. Margaret in Port-au-Prince are all gone. People are having difficulty finding food, water or even a safe place to sleep. As one correspondent described it as "the skies are blue above with the sun shining, but on the ground it is hell."
Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) has been active in Haiti for many years trying to help the country and its people. They are skilled in these types of relief efforts and already have an existing, yet some what damaged organizational structure on the ground in Port-au-Prince. Bishop Provenzano has asked that we reach out to our congregations and seek their monetary support to relive the suffering of the people of Haiti through ERD.
Most disturbing are the scenes of young children some injured, some clinging to family members, while others just looking for some type of help. They have tears in their eyes...tears of sadness, tears of despair and tears of loneliness. Those images are the most difficult to view.
The Grace Day School has already contributed $2,000 from their weekly offerings with additional donations coming from the Grace Episcopal Church Women (ECW). During my brief tenure here at Grace Church, I have been impressed with our congregation's generosity and compassion. I ask you again to look deep into your hearts and hear the cries of Haitis children and contribute to help provide food, shelter and a future for these children of God. Donations will be accepted throughout the month. You can make checks payable to Grace Church and note it is for Haitian relief. The people of Haiti will forever thank you and God will smile upon your compassion.
Update: So far the Parish has raised $7,006 for the Haiti Relief Fund. $3,505 was collected from the parish collection plates, $2,000 from Grace Day School, $1,000 form ECW and $500 from the Thrift Shop. Thank you for all your contributions.
Faithfully Yours in Christ,
(The Rev.) Josh Walters, Rector of Grace Church Massapequa