As you will be aware, a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti late on 12th January. The epicentre was just to the south of the capital Port-au-Prince, causing devastation across the city and beyond, wrecking buildings, and thousands of people are reported homeless, missing or dead. This is the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in two centuries, and is a terrible event with wide ranging consequences for the people and country as a whole. As well as being a humanitarian tragedy, the impact will be all the more severe on Haiti given its position as the poorest country in the western hemisphere and one of the poorest in the world.
Christian Aid has an office in Haiti, based in Port au Prince, from which it co-ordinates work across the country. It also has an office in the Dominican Republic and the two offices work together on a range of projects. When the Congregational Federation Team visited the Dominican Republic in November they spent a week with the two Christian Aid Managers, Prospery Raymond (Haiti) and Sophie Richmond (Dominican Republic). Amongst the many buildings destroyed in the earthquake was the Christian Aid offices in Haiti, but thankfully Prospery was not injured. His concern now is that there is not enough food in the country to feed the people, nor drinking water.
It is too early to say how long it will take for the country to get back on its feet, but it is estimated that the cost of repairs could run into billions of dollars.
What can we do? Our response at Highbury is to make the Christian Aid Appeal for Haiti our Chosen Charity for February.
Also, to pray for everybody affected by the earthquake; to give thanks for the safety of Christian Aid staff in Haiti and ask for them, and all those helping with the disaster effort, to have strength and courage to deal with their own personal and country-wide loss ....
Loving God of creation,
at this time of devastation we hold before you the people of Haiti.
When the damage is unimaginable, and the suffering seems overwhelming, remind us that every person affected is loved,
honoured and precious in your sight.
We remember all those who have been hurt;
all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Work through us to bring healing to broken and distorted lives,
peace to those who have been thrown into despair,
light to those in darkness, and hope to those who fear.
We ask this in the name of Jesus in whom all life and grace is found. Amen.
“Prayer for Haiti” comes from Christian Aid.
No comments:
Post a Comment