We are all aware of the devastation that has taken place in Haiti this past week. The images that come across our televisions and over the internet can be incredibly disturbing. I can’t imagine how difficult those images must be for those who continue to seek loved ones who have yet to make contact.
Last night, at Bikers’ Church, I shared a few thoughts on Haiti. One of our members, Ronald, is Haitian, and he has loved ones that are still missing. Ronald share a few thoughts with us and then we prayed together (the video of that service should be online by Saturday afternoon).
Ronald said something that I had not considered. He spoke of hope rising up from the destruction. Haiti is a country that has been in turmoil for most of its history. Over the past few years, they have begun to see change, but it is slow coming. Ronald believes that out of this destruction comes the possibility of unity. Perhaps when the country is at its weakest, people will stop fighting and come together to see restoration. I know that will be part of my prayer for Haiti.
I wish I had an answer for why things like this happen. I don’t. I wont pretend to know the will of God. But I do know this: as his followers, we are called to help. Rather than focus on the why, let’s turn our attention to the how: as in, how can I help?
In a week or two, the major media outlets will turn their attention to some other world issue. But Haiti will still need our help. They will still need our support. Let’s rise up and help a nation come together and turn the tide of a very difficult history.
UPDATE
My friend Don sent out this link to a missionary couple in Haiti. I encourage you to visit their site and stay up to date.
January 18th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
While praying for Haiti at church on Sunday, I had wondered myself why something like had happened. Or more specifically, why had God let something like this happen. But I do not question God in his ways, and then here I am reading your post. There is a reason, and maybe what you speak of is the reason. Sometimes it takes a tragedy or a traumatic experience to turn things around. I know it did for me…
I’ll continue my prayers, even when the media has moved on…