Updated February 2, 2010

From the Deacon

“This is the worst day in Haiti’s history,” said an official in Haiti on January 12, 2010, after a massive earthquake struck this impoverished country.  Around the world, humanitarians offered help.  Relief teams rushed to this small island with medical supplies and construction materials.

     We in the Kansas City area have many links with the beautiful people of Haiti.  Through the support to schools and to Maison de Naissance, we understand the depth of the poverty as well as the breadth of the spirit in Haiti.  Those who do not have the experience of knowing the interior situation of Haiti ask, “How could a country that is so close to the United States be so poor?”

     This, of course, is a complicated question.  Haiti, located on half of the island of Hispaniola, is just an hour’s flight from Miami.  The Dominican Republic, which takes up the other half of Hispaniola is in a far better economic and political situation.  Haiti has, unfortunately, suffered at the hands of unfortunate history, poor leadership and management both within Haiti and in relationship to other countries.  The result is that there is very little infrastructure or organization within this nation.

     Some ask, “Why does God allow Haitians to suffer so much?”  It is the age-old why-do-bad-things-happen-to-good-people question for which we can answer only obliquely that God is our strength when these unknowable and unconscionable situations occur. It is the only answer we have when our loved one is diagnosed with cancer or when we are in the midst of any tragedy.  God is our refuge and hope and solace and peace.

    I don’t know why the beautiful people of Haiti continue to suffer all the indignities imaginable.  I pray that the rest of the world will offer aid and prayer and that this devastation will somehow begin the rebuilding of Haiti into a better and more productive nation.  Is it worth the death and destruction to shock the world into helping?  Of course not.  But we commence with what we have, and, at this point, what we have is hope.

     I will continue to work for healthy mothers and babies at Maison de Naissance.  What can we do?  First of all, of course, we must pray for the people of Haiti, for their spirits, their economy, their lives.  Then we can help them monetarily.  Our own Episcopal Relief and Development is a safe and effective agency to support.  Maison de Naissance continues to need funds in their mission for healthy mothers and babies. We must persist in monitoring the situation and in finding ways to assist the Haitians economically and emotionally.  Our world is small. Our hearts are big.  God is our strength.

     Almighty and most merciful God, look with compassion upon the people in Haiti who are suffering from the massive earthquake and its consequences.  Have mercy upon them. Strengthen those who come to their aid and grant generous hearts to all who can help.   Surround those who are suffering with your loving care and grant them hope for this life and the life to come.  Increase the faith of all who are distressed and bring us all the power of your presence and the peace that passes understanding.  We pray in your holy name,  Amen.

Linda Yeager