Haiti
I have been very moved by the images and stories coming out of Haiti this week. It is often hard to get our heads around disasters like this, I don’t think that it is possible to truly imagine destruction on this almighty scale.
Many people in this situation would blame God for letting this happened, but the interesting thing is that many of the people of Haiti who survived are not blaming God for what they have lost, but instead praising God for what they still have.
A 60 year old woman was pulled out of the rubble of a building 6 days after the earthquake struck. As the rescue workers were carrying her out she began to sing songs of praise to God that she still had her life.
It is very unlikely that we will ever suffer a disaster of these proportions, so take a moment to think about all that you have. Are you thankful enough for it?
The next issue is what do we do now? As Christians how do we react to a disaster such as this?
The answer is simple. We can see a disaster like Haiti and be so moved that we want to do something to help but not actually ever get around to doing it. The bible tells that this is pointless and wrong.
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2 v 15-17
We are seeing lots of our brothers and sisters in need, so we must act.
The first thing we can do is pray for them. We can pray for their comfort and protection in this terrible time.
The second thing is we can help raise money to go towards rebuilding there country. Although lot of charities and even pop stars are raise money at the moment for the people of Haiti, in a few months this disaster will be almost forgotten by the outside world, even though it will be years before things can return to anything near normality. This is why it is important for us to do all we can now, but keep thinking and praying for these people in the future.
The challenge this week is for you to do all you can for these people. Whether that’s raising money or setting up a prayer group for them.
If you want to send money directly click on the link below to donate to Christian Aid who are already delivering aid right to those who need it.
It is good to help others who are in such need, and God loves it when we stand beside our brothers and sisters in this way.
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25 v 40
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