Dear Morningsiders,

As I observe the footage coming in from Haiti in the wake of yesterday's devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that leveled its capital city, Port-au-Prince, I'm struck with such sadness at the plight of this neighboring country that has endured so much tragedy over the past several decades. From political upheavals that triggered US and UN peacekeeping missions to large scale disasters such as tropical storms and earthquakes, Haiti has experienced a great deal of pain and sorrow. What's more, if the population of Haiti is about 10 million people and an estimated 100,000 were killed by the recent earthquake, then Haiti has literally lost one percent of its population, a staggering number. The disastrous 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami took the lives of 230,000 people in over 9 different countries. About half that number lost their lives in Haiti alone as a result of yesterday's earthquake if the initial estimates are accurate.

Over the next few days, I encourage all of us to take some time during our daily lives to lift up prayers on behalf of the people of Haiti, on behalf of the families of all who lost their lives, and especially for the country's government as the rebuilding process begins. It may seem a paltry offering in the face of the sheer magnitude of this tragedy but we believe by faith that every prayer is heard and answered by the Lord.

We also have an opportunity to contribute in a tangible way toward the rebuilding efforts being spearheaded by the US. The country's most important need right now is emergency relief funds. While our ministry's leadership begins to discuss how Morningside can help, I urge any individual donors who feel so moved to send your donations directly through the following agencies:

United Methodist Committee On Relief
A major earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti causing widespread destruction. Millions of people are affected and thousands are feared dead. UMCOR is assessing the needs and preparing to respond. Donations can be made at: http://secure.gbgm-umc.org/ donations/umcor/donate.cfm? code=418325

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross' primary focus during the initial response of an emergency is feeding, sheltering and supplying any other basic needs. To donate: Go to www.RedCross.org, hit donate now button at top and then International Response Fund. You also can text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the International Response Fund. The money will go directly to relief efforts in Haiti. Or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

AmeriCares
This nonprofit disaster relief organization delivers medicine, medical supplies and aid to people in crisis around the world. To donate, call 1-800-486-HELP or go to www.AmeriCares.org. Donations will go toward medicine and medical supplies and for expenses for providing that medical aid.

Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)
The humanitarian organization delivers medical care to people caught in crisis. Donations to its Haiti relief efforts will go toward repairing the obstetrics and trauma hospitals in Haiti that were damaged in the earthquake. They also will go to transporting an additional 70 doctors and medical supplies to the island in an effort to set up makeshift emergency medical response centers. To donate, go to www.doctorswithoutborders.org or call 1-888-392-0392.

Many other organizations can be found here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/ LIVING/01/13/haiti.earthquake. how.to.help/index.html

May God be with our neighbors in their hour of need, and may we do our part to pray for them and to alleviate their suffering.


in Christ's grace,
Pastor Mark