While reading Mark 8 this morning, I was struck by the part where Jesus was followed by a large crowd who had nothing to eat, and He was so moved in compassion for the people that He couldn’t bear the thought of sending them away hungry, for they’d faint. In the Message version, it says Jesus’ heart was broken over seeing the hungry. His feelings toward those in need moved Him to action, the action of taking seven loaves of bread and a few fish to feed four thousand people until they were satisfied and full. Running undoubtedly to the forefront of my mind while reading this passage: the nation of Haiti.
I see pictures of the devastation, but I cannot grasp the effects of what one British geophysicist described as matching that of several nuclear bombs.
While I woke up to fresh, running water; electricity; a standing home; and a family for whom I could account, there were thousands upon thousands in Haiti who are experiencing just the opposite.
I haven’t known what action I can take to help or even how to pray. But throughout the past 24 hours, various opportunities have presented themselves that I thought I’d pass along to you in case you weren’t aware.
Two wonderful organizations that have set up disaster relief funds are Compassion and World Relief, both of which are monitored and rated by CharityNavigator.org. It also takes a quick moment to leave a comment on someone’s blog. Both Kelly and The Pioneer Woman are giving $1 and $.10 respectively for each comment you leave on their blogs. The Pioneer Woman is also doing a special giveaway of charitable donations through your comments. Just click on the links I provided you. And yes, pray. Pray.
I do not understand why these disasters happen and cannot fathom the magnitude of grief and despair that hovers over that nation right now. But there is One who will supply all of the needs of the people of Haiti. The same One who in the passage of Mark was broken hearted, moved to compassion over those He saw in need. And He provided. Tangibly. Until they were full.
In that same manner, may we give generously to those in need, and in His great mercy and compassion, may Jesus comfort all of the people affected by the earthquake in Haiti; nourish their souls with His strength; bring them peace; and in the midst of their anguish, shine rays of hope.
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
