I understand the numbing effect caused by surreal photographs cycling on CNN as if on horrific repeat.
I understand the feelings of distance and separation caused not only by the fact that the disaster seems to be happening on another planet, but also because it looks like something out of an Armageddon movie.
I get all that.
But I've also seen the power of a multitude of individuals who each chip in a little bit to bring about real and lasting hope. I've seen it in the work that we do here. We can make a difference.
Apathy doesn't have to win.
The people of Haiti need our love, support, and prayers. And in the midst of a crisis, love and support speaks most loudly when it comes in the form of a clean drink of water, a new tarp for a tent, and a slice of bread for an empty belly. Someone should take away Pat Robertson's microphone and instead put it in the hands of the believers who respond to crisis with pure love... people like Troy and Tara.
They're normal people - just like you and me - who happen to live in Haiti. They aren't saints, but they are getting their hands dirty for the Kingdom. If you're looking for a way to get involved in the Haitian relief effort, might I recommend World Wide Village? Troy and Tara are the in-country directors, and I know they will handle gifts with dignity and love.
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This seems oddly inappropriate linked to this post, but I didn't want to make a separate post about this. Tanya over at Acorns and Cherry Blossoms is hosting a Scarlet Threads giveaway of her own!
7 comments:
And with that remark, Mr. Robertson seemed to forget the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Again. *sigh*
Dear Carrie,
We also were distressed by what we were reading in the media about Mr. Robertson's remarks. However, we know how much our media in the U.S. denigrates conservative Christians. Consequently, we "tuned" in the 700 Club broadcast via the Internet, and listened for ourselves. His remarks were made humbly, and not inappropriate at all. He was speaking from the heart, and what followed the remark, concerning their desire to help the people of Hatti, was sincere.
Would we voice these thoughts in the same way?? Probably not. However, he was citing a fact of history, and maybe someone needs to be bold enough to say it.
Is it the present generation's fault?? Absolutely not, and we think this fact was implicit in what he said before & after the remark that has so offended our media, and our present administration . . .
Just want to "keep the balance", Love Dad & Mom . . .
To Don & Cindy: Thank You!!! For the past two days I have been attacked by my friends and church family for stating what you just shared. Your comment ministered to my hurt and tired soul more than you will ever know!
And Carrie, I couldn't agree MORE about the amount of love and support needed in Haiti. Thank you so much for sharing the link to Troy and Tara's ministry. I do wish we could give them...and all the others like them...a microphone to share their stories and their needs. You are being that "microphone" for them through your blog, and I have no doubt God will bless you for it!
Dear Tara & Carrie,
First, thank you Tara for the encouragement. Second, thank you both for your "hearts" which are reaching out to those in need.
We are reminded of the place in scripture when Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was!!
"And He said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'"
All reading this blog knows what it means to "love your neighbor as yourself" . . .
However, sometimes all of us forget the consequences of what it means to love God with all our heart, soul & mind. God is the creator & sustainer of the world, and nothing escapes His attention, even such events as this. Is He not the providential provider & protector?? Can it escape us from scripture that the creation is "groaning" . . . His hand has absolute athority . . . and yet He allows such events to take place?? Is it wrong to point out to fellow citizens that to ignor God, is to invite His removal of providential protection??
I know we have touched a "hot button issue" issue here. But what does it mean to acknowledge the absolute soveriegnty of a Holy God?? Can He not allow, or protect at will?? Are we going to worship HIM no matter the outcome . . .
Finally, let me give you some insight. I have been trying to teach the "world" that the "born again" are only the small group going to heaven. I am sorry, but God gave us a "gift of discerning of spirits", and we always know who is born again, and who has not experienced this. And we can tell you it is not the majority of believing Christians . . .
So how does this help?? Rest assured that the "poor, destitute, humble, rejected" . . . those in Hatti who are like the lady who lives in the "box" by Jacob & Carrie's apartment . . . will receive their gift of justification . . . we imagine tens of thousands experienced this a few days ago on the island, when the quake that did not escape God's attention struck . . .
In His love, Dad & Mom.
Carrie, I want to "speak" to you, but I hope your parents "listen in". I have been deeply touched and impressed by your parents' worldview, and am jealous with a "godly jealousy" that Andrew and I don't have parents like yours. Our parents are good, Christian people but they have not imparted on us the teachings you have been blessed with by your parents. We have come to this place...developed the views that your parents (seem to) hold to...on our "own" by God's grace. However, when I look at you Carrie, and the teachings of your parents it brings me such HOPE for my children! My respect and admmiration for you is no secret...nor are the ways that God has used you to shape me for His glory. It brings tears to my eyes to think that my training may result in my children becoming like you when they are grown. That is the desire of my heart, and your parents have once again brought me great encouragement. You are richly blessed, my friend!
May the Lord use these who are willing to get their hands dirty in a mighty way...May He strengthen them each morning and give them peaceful rest each night to go back into the fields the next day.
Carrie thank you for Troy & Tara's link to the ministry. There are so many agencies accepting donations for aid to Haiti, and some of them I just don't know much about. But I know enough from your blog to trust who you recommend!
God bless you!
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