From the Bishop an Episcopal letter on Haiti
Dear friends in Christ,
I write you with a heavy heart, but with hope which springs eternal. The
earthquake in Haiti has now revealed itself to be
one of the greatest natural disasters in this, or any other, century. The
magnitude and location of this event are such that
its effects will be felt for years. The lives of millions of people hang in the
balance. The best efforts of global humanity
are in various stages of response. This response includes each of us.
I want to make sure you are aware that as our United Methodist Committee on
Relief (UMCOR) is actively engaged in
its mission in Haiti, three of its primary leaders, including the top executive,
were in Haiti at the time of the quake. One of
those executives, Rev. Clint Rabb, is
This is a time for somber, quiet reflection. It is also a time for thoughtful,
faithful action. I call upon all United Methodists
to pray and give.
-Pray for all of those in Haiti at the time of the earthquake. Pray for their
families. Pray for their future. Pray for all those
persons from around the world involved in rescue, recovery, and restoration.
Pray for Suzanne Rabb and her family as
they wait for word concerning Clint.
- Give what you are lead to give toward the cause of relief in Haiti. This
giving can be done individually or through
special congregational offerings. Listed below are the details of how you can
give and what you can do to live out your
concern within the United Methodist connection. Of course, there are other
worthy sources of help which you may feel
lead to support as well.
Our God is a mighty God. In times of crisis and tragedy we know that our God is
continually with us. The support and
hope we need is available to us and the people
We shall keep you updated as events unfold.
How to Help
There will be a great need for volunteers to help rebuild once the initial
crisis has settled. At this time, it is not safe or
possible for volunteers to go to Haiti.
Gifts to support UMCOR's Haiti Relief efforts can be made to Haiti Emergency,
UMCOR Advance #418325.
Please send your special congregational offering money to:
Treasurer, SWTX Conference
United Methodist Church
16400 Huebner Rd.
San Antonio TX 78248
Individual gifts can be made online via the General Board of Global
Ministries/UMCOR website: http://secure.gbgmumc.
org/donations/umcor/donate.cfm?code=418325&id=3018760
100% of gifts made to this advance will go to help the people of Haiti.
UMCOR Sager Brown is coordinating a shipment of health kits to provide
individuals with basic necessities.
Instructions for assembling and shipping health kits are available at
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor
/getconnected/supplies/health-kit/ .