Haiti - Christ in the Rubble

On Tuesday afternoon an earthquake, aptly named by experts as the "Big One"...a 7.0 magnitude one, ripped apart the country of Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Now two days later an estimated 45,000-50,000 people are believed to be killed in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. As one observer said, "Half the island is green and the rest is dust."

The shock of this magnitude leads many to question...to question God's character, integrity, and love toward the world. In this moment of Divine tension I believe that Christ can be found. Somewhere deep inside the battered streets and tumbled walls...is Christ. Through the cries of hurting people, and the shouts of helping people...there is Christ showing Himself worthy, compassionate and merciful.

While it is impossible for our minds to grasp the plan of God in tragic suffering. We cannot help but to pray for the people of Haiti to run to Him as their refuge and strength. That they will see the work of the Lord in ways like never before. That they will see His hand guiding and working in the midst of loss and confusion. As Job's friend Elihu said to him in intense personal tragedy, "By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter His lightning. They swirl about, being turned by His guidance, that they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the whole earth. He causes it to come on the face of the habitable world. Whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy. Listen to this O, Job; stand still and consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:10-14). Of Job's tragedy, James says, "You have seen the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord - that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (James 5:11)

So while we can't grasp the plan of God in this tragedy...we can be certain that He is compassionate and merciful. When the dust of mourning and loss, chaos and tragedy, questions and curiousities, settle...there will be Christ...compassionate and merciful.

A few closing thoughts...
 - Pray for the people of Haiti. Pray for comfort and strength...but more importantly for the gospel message to become the forefront of thoughts and hearts. That many will come to Christ through this event.

- Pray for our missionary...Luc St. Felix. We have been able to make contact with him...he and his family are ok. However, the church and training facility have collapsed. Families from the church have been killed and most are without homes. Pray for wisdom and strength to endure this time. In his email Pastor Luc asked us to pray that he could reach more people for the cause of Christ.

- Pray for our response. We are in discussion with Pastor Luc about ways that we can respond both financially and personally. We have also opened the door to send some of you...if and when he deems necessary and appropriate.

Because HIS name is at stake,
Pastor Dave