Haiti Struck By Earthquake; Church Organizations Respond
On Tuesday, January 12, the central American country of Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 earthquake, followed by at least 24 aftershocks. Church of God organizations Operation Compassion and World Missions have already mobilized to assist in this tragedy.
Former General Director of World Missions Lovell and Ginny Cary and missionary Lloyd Frazier arrived in Haiti for a conference a few minutes prior to the earthquake. They were affected, but are safe.
Chaos erupts following the earthquake in Haiti.
According to Douglas LeRoy, general director of World Missions, there is not yet an assessment of damage to Church of God schools, orphanages, and churches in the country where the denomination has had a presence since 1933. Limited contact is available since the disaster. The Church of God’s largest church in the country has approximately 8,000 members and is located near the Palace which suffered significant damage. There are a total of 1,068 churches and missions in Haiti and over 250,000 members.
“Please pray for our people’s safety and provisions,” Leroy said in a statement. Leroy went on to say that World Missions will send supplies and personnel as the opportunity avails itself. Anyone who wishes to contribute funds can visit the World Missions Web site www.cogwm.org or the Church of God Web site and clicking on the World Missions link. The Haiti Disaster Relief Project number is 765-0042.
Meanwhile, the Church of God’s Operation Compassion is shipping goods and supplies into Haiti, with more than 20 containers arriving this week and during the next several weeks. With these deliveries, disaster relief distribution can begin immediately and survivors can start piecing their lives together.
During the past five years, Operation Compassion has averaged sending more than 10 – 40 ft containers a month with relief goods to Haiti. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and poorest in the western hemisphere with 80% of the population living below poverty standards and 50% unemployment. Haiti has been in virtual disaster mode for several years due to civil unrest, multiple hurricane and tropical storm hits.
According to reports from Operation Compassion, last night, four key Haitian partners contacted OC regarding their response. These partners are experienced with Haitian disaster relief and have warehouses, trucks, hospitals and employees on site.
“We are planning a massive relief effort for Haiti and will be sending large quantities of containers for a long time,” according to David Lorency, president of Operation Compassion.
Operation Compassion states that those who wish to help can do so in one of three ways:
To use your credit card:
1. Go online to www.operationcompassion.org look for the “givedirect” button.
2. Call Operation Compassion at 423.728.3932
3. Send a check or money order to Operation Compassion, 114 Stuart Road, NE Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312. Church of God World Missions project number through OC is 7900505.
Faith News will update the situation as information becomes available.
