Haiti on the Mind

The disaster in Haiti is heartbreaking. Feelings of sadness and helplessness for the suffering, and hopefulness and pride in those who are rushing in for relief. There seems to be a universal desire to help. Worries about recession subsiding, replaced by a desire to donate despite financial struggles.

And as I read the following article, I was grateful that the church observes the law of tithing. Because of adherence to this law, not only has our own family been amply blessed, but there are church buildings in Haiti that can be used as hospitals. Infrastructure is in place for relief efforts to come.

In sharing theses reflections, I by no means, mean to diminish the wonderful relief efforts by charitable organizations all over the world. It's awe-inspiring to see countries, cultures, and organizations come together with a common purpose. We've been particularly impressed by the valiant efforts of the "Red Cross."

I'm always amazed at how Heavenly Father sees the end from the beginning. And while he allows human suffering, he prepares ways to relieve it. And allows us to assist him in caring for his beloved children. All over the world.

SALT LAKE CITY 14 January 2010 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending a team of doctors and medical supplies to Haiti immediately to help care for those injured by the devastating earthquake. The doctors will set up a temporary medical center in a Church meetinghouse in Port-au-Prince. The meetinghouse is largely undamaged by the quake.

Other urgent needs following the devastating earthquake continue to be water, medical care, shelter and food. The Church is responding to those needs by sending relief supplies in addition to the medical personnel. Some shipments have already arrived, others are in process, and more are being planned.

Two planes, each loaded with 80,000 pounds of supplies donated by the Church, are expected to leave for Haiti on Saturday and Sunday. The supplies on the planes include 15,000 personal filtration bottles, which can each filter and purify 400 gallons of water. Also included in the shipments are food, blankets, hygiene kits, tarps, tents and other necessities. The first flight will leave from Denver on Saturday, 16 January, and the second will leave from Miami that day or the following day. Additionally, hygiene kits and other supplies sent from the Dominican Republic by truck arrived in Haiti on Thursday.

Some of the Church’s meetinghouses in Port-Au-Prince are also being used as temporary shelters for displaced persons.

“Normal daily activity has come to a stop in Haiti. Helping to restore normalcy in the midst of devastation will be our greatest goal. Our focus will be on helping people become self-reliant again.” said Elder Viñas.

The Church continues to monitor the humanitarian situation on an ongoing basis to determine how to best help. Donations for relief efforts can be made at http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.