We are all family

By now, most of you have likely heard of the incredible devastation that resulted from yesterday's earthquake in Haiti. Whole city blocks destroyed, and estimates that as many as half a million people are dead and/or missing. The wreckage is so pervasive that there is no way to know for sure. There may never be.

Connections...

As it happens, Haiti is demographically the largest diocese in the Episcopal Church. We have very real and ongoing relationships-- through bishops, clergy, missionaries, aid workers, sister churches, etc.-- with these our brothers and sisters in Christ.

If you are in the habit of reading a daily devotional called "Forward Day by Day," you may note that the writer for January is a missionary priest, formerly stationed in the Sudan, currently serving in Haiti. Another "friend from back when" recently married a fine man from Haiti, which means they are now searching for members of her new family. Two aid workers from the Diocese of Chicago are, as of this writing, also among the missing.

Of course, none of this makes any difference as to whether or not we should care; but connections and relationships make the awareness of desperate need more acute... more real. Relationships remind us of what matters.

Here are some ways to help, in Jesus' name:

Episcopal Relief and Development

Catholic Relief Services

Lutheran Disaster Response

UCC Disaster Relief Fund

PC(USA) Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

United Methodist Committee on Relief

or if you prefer a nonsectarian effort, already on the ground, I'd suggest:

Doctors Without Borders

In any case... please say a prayer for the people of Haiti-- and then make your care tangible.