Prayers For the People of Haiti

I'm sure everyone has seen the terrible death and destruction in Haiti from the catastrophic 7.0 earthquake that rocked the country on Tuesday. New York City, and especially where I live in the borough of Brooklyn, cradles Haiti's largest expatriate community. It is hard for us to not know someone, be it a friend, co-worker, employee, neighbor, fellow student, church member, or just someone you may pass on the street every day or share a bus or subway ride with, who has not been personally effected by this sad and terrible tragedy. We are reminded how fragile life is and how a people who have suffered so much in life are now asked to bear more suffering. My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to those that have lost a loved one, and to those suffering from injury and the loss of property.

If good can come from tragedy it has been the response of governments and aid agencies all over the world who have banned together in an effort to bring help to the island of Haiti. God speed their progress.

I have also been amazed by the swiftness of the technological age that has enabled people to donate to charities and how wonderful the response has been! When I listened to the news tonight I heard that the American Red Cross already had received 3.5 million dollars from text message donations of $10 each. How just a little sacrifice from each person can add up to so much is testimony that we can all help our fellow man in times of crisis. It reminds me of what a good place this world can be.

If you would like to text a donation from your cell phone here are some options I found on the USA Today Website:

Text "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross relief efforts;

Text Yele to 501 501 to donate $5;

Text HAITI to 864833 to donate $5 to United Way Worldwide's disaster fund for long-term recovery.

If you would rather donate another way the same website has many suggestions for relief organizations, faith based organizations, and other agencies that are accepting donations and also tips on "how best to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies, and how to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities."