Since the earthquake in Haiti on 12th January, we've all been looking for, and sharing, ways to contribute to the massive relief effort that is now required in the second-oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere.
The earthquake measured 7.3 on the Richter Scale and an early estimate by Haiti's Prime Minister, Jean Max Bellerive put the possible death toll at "well over 100,000". That's before they even begin to count the hundreds of thousands of Haitians who have seen their entire lives literally buried before their eyes.
Regardless of our personal situations, we can all do something to help. The BBC have listed all the major aid organisations and their Hatian appeals here.
If, like me, you would prefer to give assistance direct to the one of the many smaller organisations and ministries based in Haiti, you might want to consider Davis In Haiti. Supported by World Outreach Ministries, Davis In Haiti have lived and ministered in Haiti for 30 years. Their daughter describes her parents' longstanding mission as:
"for the people and not for the money. They take NO money out for business costs, paperwork [...] 100% goes to the people! We did without so that the people would have."
If you'd like to know more about this mission, you can visit the Davis blog here, or find it in my recommended blog roll on the right hand side of your screen (if you can't see it, scroll down). They are posting regularly, as time and power shortages allow, and offer a direct line to the situation in Haiti on a day to day basis. Their most recent update said this:
"The job is SO HUGE that it is hard to realize what is all needed and where it will be needed. As discouraged as we are right now, the enormity of what lies ahead is heart stopping."
If you'd like to help, please contact me for their address, or contact them through their blog.
If money is tight, as it is for many of us right now, remember that spiritual assistance is never in short supply. Support these guys in your prayers. We can ALL do SOMETHING.
Bex.
