Tuesday's devastating earthquake in Haiti has sent shock waves around the world. We've asked our people to pray and we are asking for contributions for Episcopal Relief and Development to sustain their efforts on behalf of the people of Haiti. Other people in other churches and in other countries, heads of state and legislative bodies, rescue and military personnel, health professionals and engineers – all sorts and conditions of people - are responding in ways that show us the spirit of compassion knows no boundaries.
The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is the largest diocese in the Episcopal Church with somewhere between 100,000 and 150,000 members in 168 congregations. Yet they have only 40 Priests and one Bishop. Many of our churches, including Holy Trinity Cathedral and School have been destroyed. I have posted the photo of a mural in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port au Prince, painted by a Haitian artist. I was inspired by this mural when I visited Haiti in 1972 and lived for a week in St. Peter's Episcopal School. The mural depicts Jesus' first miracle at Cana, this Sunday's gospel.
Even in the best of times, the people of Haiti struggle, living in the poorest country in the hemisphere. Now this.
We will pray for the people of Haiti and those who are helping them. Our prayers are powerful because the One to whom we pray is powerful. "Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested" (Hebrews 2:18). The words of William Bright's hymn sum it up,
At your feet, O Christ, we lay / your own gift of this new day; / Doubt of what it holds in store / Makes us crave your aid the more; / Even in a time of loss, /Mark, it Savior, with your Cross.
And, among our prayers will be the appeal that the Savior of us all will show us how to become a part of the answer to our prayers for those who are hurting.
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