As we enter into a new series focusing on knowing and doing God’s Will, the situation that seems to have come to the forefront is Haiti. We are being bombarded with news of the needs, and there are so many different ways we could act. The words of Jesus in Luke 12:48 remind us that we not only should act, but we MUST act: “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” This tragedy in Haiti is our open door to be used by God and to discover His direction in how He wants to use us specifically.

For some, the burden is greater because they have a direct connection with Haiti. Some in our church have had family members in Haiti. Ridgeview’s high school guy’s small group is sponsoring and communicating with a child in Haiti and our KWAM children are agonizing as they await news about Madeline, the Haitian girl they have sponsored for the past several years. Others have family members in the military who have been called to go and help distribute supplies, as well as combat the violence that desperation has created. The pictures and stories on the TV grip our hearts and stir compassion in us. When that happens, it’s God’s cue that we need to respond.

As Pastor Mark taught us in last Sunday’s message, one of the ways we discern how we should respond is by seeking advice from godly men and women. Proverbs 15:22 reminded us that, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” At our annual meeting Sunday night, several people offered insight into how we as a church and as individuals can and should respond wisely to the needs in Haiti. In summary, here is some of the wisdom shared.

The needs are going to be there for years to come. At the same time, the greatest needs are now because at present, it is life and death. Rebuilding isn’t even an issue right now – it’s survival. Giving to large organizations, while being the easy and expedient thing to do, may not be the best option considering the level of corruption and disarray within the government in Haiti. We as a church have direct connections with missionaries, churches and ministries who are already there and making a difference. We have ways of getting funds directly to them.

Based on this, we approved an initial gift of $5000 to provide immediate resources. These funds have already been sent to provide for the ministry of Steve and Nancy James, our American Baptist medical missionaries in Haiti. They are right there in the midst of the action, seeking every possible way to minister and meet needs. This gift will be available to them this week to provide the supplies.
You can follow exactly what they are doing day by day at: www.InternationalMinistries.org/missionaries/104

We also started this past Sunday receiving special gifts toward the needs in Haiti. Over the next several weeks you will find special envelopes in the pew to easily designate your gifts to this need. Our Missions Board is investigating a number of different ministries, missionaries and organizations that have been suggested as recipients of those gifts. It is our desire to know exactly to whom and where your gifts are going, and ensure we are using the Lord’s resources wisely in a way that will accomplish the most good. Thank you to those who have offered suggestions.

The Missions Board is also working on how we can provide more than prayers and money, but how to create kits of needed supplies to send. For those who enjoy having more of a practical involvement in making a difference, this is a great option. Kits will include things for hygiene, baby care, and school supplies. These will be much like the care packages we recently sent to our military personnel, in that you will put together and ship the kit yourself. Kits are shipped to a distribution center in the US where they are then taken in bulk to Haiti, so you don’t have to worry about international shipping. We will have detailed information about the kits as soon as possible, including a specific list of items, and estimated cost of the supplies and shipping. To access the kit brochure online, just email me (tonymarygoss@aol.com) a request and I’ll send you the link!

May God find us eager to respond as He leads us to give out of our bounty.