It was some of the worst news we could have received last Tuesday night as most of us sat in our warm homes. It shook us up all over the state of Tennessee and beyond. TV news gave extensive coverage to it. People lamented and said, “What can we do about this?” Earlier in the day we had received the news that Conan O’Brien said he would not take the 12:05 a.m. slot on NBC after Jay Leno’s 11:35 p.m. show. Some thought that was unfortunate; but then we got this news, and we realized that the earlier news wasn’t as important as we had thought.
Indeed, the news regarding the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti was (still is) tragic news. Of course we do not yet know the full extent of the losses and damage, although it is estimated that up to 200,000 might have died. As many as one-third of Haiti’s population might have been directly affected by it. However, this piece of news off the internet the day after gives us some idea of the heart-breaking destruction and loss:
“PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitians piled bodies along the devastated streets of their capital Wednesday after the strongest earthquake to hit the poor Caribbean nation in more than 200 years crushed thousands of structures, from schools and shacks to the National Palace and the U.N. peacekeeping headquarters. Untold numbers were still trapped. The devastation was so complete that it seemed likely the death toll from Tuesday afternoon’s magnitude-7.0 quake would run into the thousands. International Red Cross spokesman Paul Conneally said an estimated 3 million people may have been affected by the quake and that it would take a day or two for a clear picture of the damage to emerge.”
By the time you read this, we will know more, of course. We have learned that two of three United Methodist Committee on Relief staff members who were in Haiti lost their lives. The poorest country in the western hemisphere is now reeling, and we complain about cold weather, fuss about our cable company and burn a mattress that some folks in Haiti (or even east Tennessee) would be glad to have.
What can we do to help? Many have already responded. There is a separate article in this issue of the “Spirit” which gives further information. Meanwhile, we remember there are many other needs that cry out for our help. Right now we are working to build one (or more) wells in Sudan so that there will no longer be an 85% mortality rate among the children! The Fountain City Ministry Center and other local help ministries/agencies are lagging behind in financial gifts because of the downturn in economy.
Our hearts are broken! We cannot even imagine the hurt and suffering of the people of Haiti. What can we do? For now, first of all, middle of all, and last of all, let’s remember to pray for everyone affected by all this. Additionally, determine how/ where we as individuals can help alleviate the grief and suffering. FCUMC is always seeking to offer suggestions to you and to work corporately to bring relief. These opportunities are always before us, and I pray that we will always respond as God leads us as individuals and as a church. These words from another report gave me cause to stop and think: “Thousands gathered in public squares singing hymns.” If I were a survivor there, I wonder if I would be able to do that. I hope so!
- Jim
