Haiti Earthquake and Our Response

 Back in 2010 the Caribbean nation of Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake which affected its people far more seriously than the adjoining Dominican Republic, in part because of poverty. Infrastructure and building structure  is generally better in the Dominican Republic making it less likely that residents will be crushed. In 2010 at least 300,000 people died and more than a million were displaced.

In the past few days we've learned of yet another earthquake in Haiti, a disaster which follows on the impact of tropical storms, rising gang violence and COVID-19. This quake may have been stronger than 2010 but occurred in a less populated area. Still, more than 1300 are confirmed dead, thousands are injured,  and the toll is rising. 

After the 2010 quake the United Church launched an appeal for relief funds to be deployed with partners in the country. It meant that those funds reached those who needed them most. One agency was Frontiers Foundation which repaired a school which they had originally built. While there was widespread corruption at the time, the UCC was confident that relief was delivered.

I am struck by the faith of Christians in Haiti where people have so little. A CBC report from yesterday said:

Some in the town praised God that they survived the earthquake, and many went to the city's cathedral, which appeared outwardly undamaged even if the priests' residence was destroyed. "We only have Jesus now," said Johanne Dorcely, 58, whose house was destroyed. "If it wasn't for Jesus, I wouldn't be able to be here today.

I'm hoping they have Jesus and the followers of Jesus in places such as Canada who can respond with practical compassion. The Red Cross has already called for our support and I'm sure the United Church will soon. Here are the links, I encourage you to keep looking at the United Church page for your opportunity.

 https://united-church.ca/

https://www.redcross.ca/?utm_source=house_en&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=august2021_haitiearthquakeappeal_en&me=204%20-%20Online%20donatio082121h08-e2-Haiti%20Earthquake%202021&UnityID=