The Tragedy in Haiti has captured hearts and headlines over the two weeks. Everyone is trying to figure out ways in which they might offer assistance to countless numbers in need. The United Methodist Church has a long standing practice of being the hands and feet of Jesus in difficult situations through the work of UMCOR, volunteers on location and local congregation. Here’s the recent letter from Bishop Goodpaster which provides good information on where we are in our response.
Haiti: Continue to pray; respect response process,
work though local church, conference, UMCOR
Jan. 21, 2010
Dear sisters and brothers,
For more than a week now our television and computer screens have been filled with images of the devastation in Haiti. We have witnessed the emotional stories of rescue, and the heart-breaking accounts of death and destruction. Like you, I have offered prayers on behalf of all who suffer and mourn as well as those who work for hours on end to rescue. Like you, I have offered financial resources to assist in the massive relief efforts that will extend for years to come. As members of the Body of Christ we know that as one part of the Body suffers, we all suffer and share the grief and pain.
One of the prayers posted on the General Board of Discipleship web site expresses our call and commitment well: “These are our sisters and brothers, not projects for a time, but family for our lifetimes. When others leave, call us to stay. And keep our hearts stirred, not satisfied until these and all our family, in every place, can live with joy and dwell in peace. Lord, have mercy.”
As we through our many church and personal connections and through our United Methodist Committee on Relief prepare for the long work of rebuilding and restoring lives, I want to encourage all of you to do and be aware of several things.
First, I know that many want to rush in and offer assistance. There will be time for that, but for now we must allow those who are first responders, the trained rescuers and aid workers to do their work. We have been cautioned a number of times not to take teams into Port-au-Prince immediately. UMCOR and our Volunteers-in-Mission coordinators will be organizing and planning for our on-the-ground response. Please follow the news and developments either through our conference web site (www.wncccumc.org) or the United Methodist Church web site (www.umc.org). In both places you will find news and information that will be helpful as we go forward.
Second, there are some specific things we can do right now to assist. At several sites around our conference, United Methodists are responding by preparing meals for shipment through Stop Hunger Now. We are working to coordinate this effort with the hope of filling at least one entire container of meals (142,500 meals) to be directed to Haiti. Also, as many of you are already doing, making health kits is a hands-on project, and those kits are urgently needed. Contact your District Office, or Mike Collins at the Conference Office for details and locations. And, of course, please continue to make financial contributions through UMCOR. Again, check our conference web site for information.
Third, we are in the process of developing a conference-wide strategy for response that will invite all of us to focus our work in a way that will make a long-term difference. I have already had an initial conversation with several persons who have been actively involved in Haiti for years. As those plans are finalized, in partnership with our Haitian churches and friends, we will announce and invite your participation. We know this will be a mission effort of many years and we are taking that view as well as trying to meet the needs on the ground right now.
Thank you all for your gracious and generous response so far. In the midst of all the concerns and difficulties that some of you are facing in your own personal lives and communities, your primary commitment to Jesus Christ and to helping in this great need is evident. For that, I am, as your bishop, most appreciative and encouraged. Continue to pray. Continue to share. Prepare to serve.
Christ, have mercy!
Larry M. Goodpaster
bishop@wnccumc.org
