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After the earthquake in Haiti
“He raises up the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the rubbish heap.” Psalm 113:7
As many of you know by now, a devastating earthquake, one of the most powerful ever recorded in the region, has struck Haiti, the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. The death toll in incalculable, but the capital city of Port-au-Prince (red circle on the map) has been largely destroyed, and many victims still remain trapped beneath the rubble.
This is a horrific tragedy in a country that is no stranger to devastating tragedies. Previously afflicted by hurricanes, military coups and gang violence, 80 percent of the people of Haiti live below the poverty line.
The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas has a variety of close mission partnerships in Haiti, and these are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Many members of our diocese have traveled to Haiti to participate in educational and medical missions, and we know the people of Haiti by name.
Reports indicate that in the region served by our partner parishes (near LesCayes and Torbeck, green circles on the map), the rectory in Les Cayes is badly damaged, but there are no serious injuries there. In Port-au-Prince, the cathedral and bishop’s residence have been destroyed. Bishop Duracin and his wife are alive, although Madame Duracin suffered an injury to her foot. Across the Diocese of Haiti a number of churches have also been destroyed or badly damaged.
Haiti Disaster Relief Fund established, with special collection set for this Sunday
I have established a Haiti Disaster Relief Fund, and I am calling on every parish in the diocese to take up a collection this Sunday, Jan. 17, the Second Sunday of Epiphany, to assist in this effort. The proceeds of this fund will be given entirely to Episcopal Relief and Development to help the people of Haiti in this time of crisis and great suffering. Episcopal Relief and Development has a long and distinguished history of service to the people of the Diocese of Haiti, and resources given to this organization will maximize the number of dollars going to direct relief.
Parishes should forward one check from this Sunday’s special collection, as well as any other special donations received on behalf of Haiti, to the diocese. Please make checks payable to “Episcopal Diocese of Kansas,” with “Haiti Relief” in the memo line. Mail checks to Episcopal Diocese of Kansas, Haiti Relief, 835 SW Polk St., Topeka, KS 66612.
I am also requesting that prayers be offered for the people of Haiti on each of the Sundays remaining in the season of Epiphany:
Almighty and Most Merciful God, we remember before you the people of Haiti and all who have been affected by the devastating earthquake in that country. Be with all those who suffer and grieve. Comfort them in the midst of their sorrow and loss. Help us to provide food for the hungry, water for those who thirst, and shelter for all who have been left homeless. Help us to care for the people of Haiti as Christ cares for us. Grant this, Father, for the love of your son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.