Less than a week ago, on Tuesday, January 12 at 3:53 p.m. Central time, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti was shaken to its core by a powerful 7.0 earthquake.

Port-au-Prince, a city built mostly of concrete, crumbled under the massive power of shifting plates and now lies in complete ruins with the death toll still rising. Subsequent tremors were felt hundreds of miles away, and kept Haitian survivors in a constant state of terror and despair.

With an already insufficient governmental infrastructure destroyed, chaos and complete disorganization ensued as thousands of citizens wander in the streets in search of medical help, food and loved ones. Local police authority is scarce and hospitals severely understaffed and communication sketchy at best.  We couldn’t help but be reminded of the immediate devastation in our own cities after Katrina as we watched the footage and heard the stories firsthand from missionary friends on the ground.

“…We found a city full of dead people lying in the streets and survivors in shelters without anyone to help. Until today the only assistance they were receiving was from the Dominican government. Aide is going to start coming in tomorrow, but until then there is only death, desolation and fear because the earth hasn’t ceased to tremble.”  – Pastor Miguel Castillo of Iglesia Fundamento Biblico

Some of the people have taken to looting to fulfill their needs.  Among the popular items are alcohol and toothpaste, to put on their upper lips and stave off the stench of death.

As of January 18, officials say roughly 200,000 people may have been killed by the earthquake, 250,000 injured, and 1.5 million left homeless.

Even with our advanced technology, no one was warned or prepared for this natural disaster unlike with hurricanes where we at least have a chance to leave. Natural disasters are the equal opportunity destroyer.  It doesn’t matter where a person lives, how much money they make, or the color of their skin: a tornado, earthquake, tsunami, or hurricane can dismantle their lives in minutes.

As believers, we know that this world is sin-cursed and that these disasters will continue until Christ returns to fully redeem the world. As Paul wrote to the Roman church, “…we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth…  even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” Romans 8:18ff  Until then, we have the responsibility to show the love of Christ through purposed compassion and service towards those afflicted by such tragedies whether here in our homeland, or abroad.

To show unmitigated love and service in a desperate time is a reflection of the gospel of grace in our lives as transformed agents of mercy; a people born anew by the power of God.  Let us not forget the great sacrifice Our Lord made on our behalf, so that we may sacrifice our lives as well for others.

Join us in prayer for the many volunteers in the region who will be bringing physical and spiritual aid to Haiti. It will be a long recovery.

For more information about the earthquake aftermath, take a look at this article, and this interactive map.

If you are looking to donate money for Haiti relief and aid to a trustworthy distributor, consider sending your money and items to Faith Bible Church in Sharpsburg, GA.  On an envelope, please write:

Faith Bible Church/ Haiti Relief/ 4907 E. Highway 34/ Sharpsburg, GA 30277