What can I do?
Day in and day out we watch the news on TV, the sad stories of economic collapse, and even sadder stories of tragedy and death, sometimes accidental sometimes at the hands of another. It often leaves us feeling helpless amid such a torrent of bad news. The latest story to grab the headlines is the tragic earthquake which struck in Haiti. Death tolls are still being figured, but estimates are that it will be in the tens of thousands. But in the midst of this bad news there is a way for us to address the nagging question; what can I do?
As in similar situations around the world, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is rushing to Haiti to provide humanitarian relief and offer hope to those struck by the tragedy. PDA has pledged $100,000.00 up front and will add donations that are made to this relief effort. PDA will work closely with Church World Service as both groups have established relationships in that nation. We have received several phone calls at the Presbytery office asking that question; what can I do? First and foremost as people of faith we can pray, everyone can offer the time to pray for the victims of this impoverished country. Secondly, we can make a cash donation to PDA earmarked for the account #DR000064. Thirdly, for those who wish to do some tangible type of gesture you can help to assemble Hygiene and/or baby kits; contents and instructions for these can be found on the Church World Service Website – churchworldservice.org . These suggestions can all be found in an email sent to your Church by Dennis Sanders our Communications specialist. I also want to remind you that while your heart may be in the right place, gifts other than cash or the prescribed kits will only cause problems with delivery and sorting. PDA officials have said it is too early to know what will follow concerning work trips and the like, as immediate aid is the focus for now.
In the midst of tragedy we often ask what can I do? This is an instance in which there is an answer to that question. There is something we can all do. For further information and addresses you may call the Presbytery office or refer to the email sent to your church. God bless the people of Haiti, and all of God’s children.
Chaz
