Tuesday came and went for much of the world like any other day, but for Haiti it was a day unlike any other. The 7.0 earthquake hit a country that was already the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. Hundreds of thousands are speculated to be dead, with the count rising near 200,000 as an estimate from the Haitian government. Amidst such destruction and recklessness, it often seems like we are helpless. But as members of the richest nation in the West, America, and as elect members of the richest people on earth, Christians, we have many ways to respond.
First, in prayer. Find time alone with God and remember our Haitian brothers and sisters. Pray for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for those injured. And pray for those who are sorting out rubble and flesh in an attempt to help.
And, remember:
HOW TO HELP
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross' primary focus during the initial response of an emergency is feeding, sheltering and supplying any other basic needs. To donate: Go to RedCross.org, hit donate now button at top and then International Response Fund. You also can text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the International Response Fund. The money will go directly to relief efforts in Haiti. Or call 1-800-Red-Cross.
AmeriCares
This nonprofit disaster relief organization delivers medicine, medical supplies and aid to people in crisis around the world. To donate, call 1-800-486-HELP or go to AmeriCares.org. Donations will go toward medicine and medical supplies and for expenses for providing that medical aid.
Yele Haiti
This organization, founded by Wyclef Jean, creates projects to improve the quality of education, health, environment and community development in Haiti. To donate to to its Haiti relief efforts, go to yele.org or text YELE to 501501 to donate $5.
MORE ON HOW TO HELP FROM CNN.COM
HAVE A LOVED ONE IN HAITI?
The U.S. State Department has set up an information number, 1-888-470-4747, to check on the safety of friends and family in Haiti.
