Giving for Haiti Relief

The situation in Haiti is heartbreaking.  People who already had so little, are now devastated. Recovery will be a long term process.  I am grateful for organizations like the Red Cross and others who were equipped to go in quickly with resources to help meet immediate needs.  I am grateful that American troops are going to help.  I am praying for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who are injured.  I am praying for those who have no homes, food, or water.  I am praying for those who are trying to create order and get supplies where they are needed most. The needs are overwhelming.

Many good organizations are raising money for Haiti relief.  As you have probably heard on the news, however, there are scams already popping up.  All of us who give want to know that our gifts are being used for either immediate needs or for the long term rebuilding that must take place.  I will name four places to give that I feel very confident will combine relief with sharing the gospel.

Kentucky Baptist Convention Disaster Relief - Coy Webb, our KBC DR Director, is heading to Haiti with some of our DR leaders to determine the best way for Kentucky Baptists to respond.  Every dollar given through KBC for Disaster Relief will be used to make an impact.  Because the work is done by volunteers, your gifts will go farther and will be accompanied by a gospel witness.  You can get updates on the KBC web site (www.kybaptist.org) and donate on line.  Your church can also send gifts to the KBC and designate them for Disaster Relief.

International Mission Board - The IMB is sending a team this week to assess the best way for Southern Baptists to respond.  You can give to the IMB Haiti Reponse Fund on line or by mailing a check to the IMB Office of Finance.  For more information, go to www.imb.org.

Baptist Global Response - Established several years ago as the Southern Baptist organization for response to global disasters and human needs, BGR is working cooperatively with the IMB to determine the needs and best response.  For for information, go to www.baptistglobalresponse.com.  You can give on line or by mail.

WMU Foundation HEART Fund - After 9/11, the WMU Foundation established a special fund for responding to critical human needs. The WMU HEART Fund (Humanitarian Emergency Aid for Rebuilding Tomorrow) is specifically designed to allow national WMU and the WMU Foundation to respond to requests from WMU leaders across the country and around the world during emergencies and natural disasters.  By donating to Haiti relief through WMU, we can assist our sisters in Haiti and be certain that the money we give will be used exclusively for the purpose of helping others.  For more information and/or to give on line, go to www.wmufoundation.com

Yesterday I participated in the Revive Prayerwalk at Shelby County High School.  Even as we were praying for revival at our school, we also prayed for the people of Haiti.  Remember them and those who are going to help in your prayers this week and the months ahead.  Pray for the people and for the spread of the gospel during these difficult days. Pray that God will bring good out of this tragedy.

 0 Comments posted by: Joy Bolton on January 18th, 2010