Haiti Appeal

14 th January 2010

Christian Greetings,

Haiti earthquake appeal

As you will have heard in the news, a major earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale has devastated Haiti leaving hundreds dead and thousands buried alive.

The earthquake struck 15km southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince. The Christian Aid office building collapsed and three people, including Christian Aid staff, had to be rescued from the rubble. They are safe and are now working tirelessly to help those still trapped, injured and left homeless.

As the situation is so difficult, I felt compelled to write. We desperately need your support to help people affected by this disaster.

Most of the buildings and infrastructure in Haiti are very fragile. There has been widespread destruction of homes and schools and major damage to key water, electricity and road systems. Many people have been killed by falling debris and there are still many more trapped under the rubble, in desperate need of assistance.

 Christian Aid partners in Haiti are very experienced in emergency response work and are working round the clock to meet the urgent humanitarian needs. They desperately need to provide clean water, food, medicine and blankets as they cope with the devastation.

 Please could you ask your colleagues and churches to support the people of Haiti this Sunday in one or all of the following ways?

  Pray for the situation this Sunday

• Support our Haiti Earthquake Appeal by holding a collection.
• Publicise this need and Christian Aid’s response as your agency

As well as meeting the immediate needs of survivors, the support of your church will be vital in helping people who have suddenly lost everything to rebuild their lives as quickly as possible.

Thank you in advance for whatever your church can do to support the people of Haiti through this appeal.

A prayer for Haiti

Loving God of creation,
at this time of devastation
we hold before you the people of Haiti.
When the damage is unimaginable,
and the suffering seems overwhelming,
remind us that every person affected
is loved, honoured and precious in your sight.
We remember all those who have been hurt;
all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Work through us to bring healing
to broken and distorted lives,
peace to those who have been thrown into despair,
light to those in darkness,
and hope to those who fear.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
in whom all life and grace is found

Yours sincerely

Dionne Gravesande

Head of Churches, Christian Aid

I am sure everyone at S Paul’s and S Nick’s will want to support this appeal. There will be collection baskets at the back of church for the next few weeks. Please Gift Aid your donations if you can. Please use the prayer throughout the coming weeks and hold our brothers and sisters in Haiti in your prayers. Fr John