Helping Haiti

Yesterday I explained to my 4-year old son what an earthquake is and how it can devastate a family, a neighborhood, and a country.  I showed him where Haiti is on a map in relation to where we lived in the United States.  I delicately told him that there were people that were hurt, without doctors nearby; people that were thirsty, with no bottled waters to drink; people that were starving, and couldn’t go to their refrigerator 8 times a day like he does.  Then I let him know that with a click of the computer mouse, we could do a small part to help those hurting people.  I asked him if he would like to give some of his money to send bottled waters, food, and doctors to Haiti.  He quickly got his wallet and pulled out $2 and handed it to me.  That was 16% of his total money. 

When devastation occurs in other countries, whether it be by natural disasters, famine, or wars, I can’t seem to shake this helpless feeling I get.  What can I possibly do?  How can I help?  Is anything I do making a difference?  I am convinced beyond any shadow of a doubt that money given to Samaritan’s Purse makes a difference.  So if you are wanting to help the Haitians and are skeptical of groups that have been shown to be more excited about your money than about helping the helpless, let me vouch for the integrity of Samaritan’s Purse.

They are an international relief and Christian evangelism organization, and at the helm is Franklin Graham, well-loved and respected son of Reverend Billy Graham.  They say this about their ministry:

The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) gives a clear picture of God’s desire for us to help those in desperate need wherever we find them. After describing how the Samaritan rescued a hurting man whom others had passed by, Jesus told His hearers, “Go and do likewise.”

For over 35 years, Samaritan’s Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ’s command by going to the aid of the world’s poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives.

What could be a better use of God’s money than to provide for someone’s basic physical needs during their greatest desperation, and also have a chance to point them to the answer for their greatest spiritual need?  If you can’t think of any better use, and are feeling led to help, I encourage you to donate to any of the reputable charities that are helping Haiti right now, most especially Samaritan’s Purse.  (For those of you watching Greta Van Susteren last night, you might have seen her interviewing Franklin Graham while he was on a plane circling Haiti’s airport.)

Father, we pray for those hurting men, women and children in Haiti right now.  Please provide the means for as many rescue workers as possible to get safely on the ground there with all the necessary equipment and pull as many people as possible from the rubble.  Guide the money that is given into caring, honest hands, and ensure that it is used for what it was given; for the medical supplies, food, shelter, and water that will save Haitians and restore them to health.  You are the Great Physician, God.  Please bring healing to their bodies and touch them with the Truth of the Gospel.  Please comfort the friends and relatives of those who lost their lives in this tragedy, and comfort those who still wait for word from those loved ones.  In Jesus name, Amen.