Prayers for Haiti

After a major earthquake and significant aftershocks, the Haitian government is reporting more than 111,000 people dead. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is reporting more than 600,000 people ahve been left homeless in and around Port-au-Prince. The numbers are overwhelming. In such a situation, it can be hard to know how to help or even how to pray. Here are some specific concerns you can focus on this week:

* Steve and Nancy James -- CBF/ABC  medical mission- aries in Haiti. The James are collecting medical supplies to meet the immediate physical needs of the people of Haiti.

* The three Church World Service trauma counselors and psycho-social care specialists who are providing services -- especially to children and aid workers.

* Gospel School Garden of Learning of Ti Peligre - a primary school partnership between churches in Haiti and the U.S. that is attempting to continue educating students

* Francisco Litardo -- a Central Baptist Theological Seminary student who is in Haiti working at a videographer with a Methodist relief team. Francisco's work will be used to help communicate the Methodist relief efforts and give churches an inside look at what is going on.

* Melissa Hatfield and the First Baptist Church, Jefferson City team. They are currently in the Dominican Republic and are spending time working in Haitian communities there. Melissa will likely soon be on a trip to Haiti.

* The family of Rev. Venel Dessiere, a Baptist pastor in Haiti. He died as a result of the earthquake, leaving behind a wife and four children aged 7-17.


This is an excerpt from the TBC Haiti Update e-mail. If you would like to be added to the weekly list, post your e-mail address or send an e-mail to Jennifer Harris.
(Photos by Francisco Litardo)