Response: Haiti

Today in the nation of Haiti children are waking up as orphans, parents are grieving the loss of their children, people are crushed in body and in spirit. Images of suffering (that we have the luxury of escaping) surround those in the midst of the Haitian ruins. Today people are crying out in pain, terror, and deep anguish as they witness first hand the weight of nature's worst offering.
(see pictures of the devastation in Haiti)

The magnitude of this destruction forces me to ask questions: "How could this happen? God, where are you?" I'm compelled to find answers in some way. Someone/something has to be accountable be it some kind of supreme deity who "controls" all things or the person that makes outrageous and insensitive claims about the people bringing it upon themselves (see Pat Robertson's comments). Someone/something has to be responsible. Someone/Something has to give an account for the suffering.

As I read the scriptures and understand the scope of the Christian tradition I am reverted back not to the "why" but to the "who". "Who is this 'God'?" Scripture tells us that the nature of God is one that does not "willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone" (Lam. 3:27), that his care is for the poor, the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the suffering, and the afflicted (Ex. 22:2, Lev. 25, Deut. 15:7; Ps. 10:14; 34:18; 68:5). Jesus reminds us that the posture of God is a loving father (Mt. 7:9-12) driven by a redemptive love that rebuilds all that was lost (Jer. 33, Rev. 21:1-5) in the midst of a broken and fragmented creation (Rom. 8:20-22).

As God's nature comes into clearer focus I am less compelled to seek responsibility from "others" for the suffering but rather ask a new set of questions:

How will I give an account for the suffering that I have witnessed?

The prophet Micah calls us to act in ways (both in word and deed) that exude mercy, justice, and humility. James, the brother of Jesus, writes that true, "faultless" religion is not expousing unhelpful theologies on a TV show, but rather happens when we "look after orphans and widows in their distress" (Jas. 1:27).

How will my identity in Christ move me in response?

We may feel like we are a helpless to the events in Haiti but here are some suggestions on how you can respond:

1. Read/inform yourself on the tragedy and suffering: The more we understand the depth of destruction (both immediate and to come) the more we find ourselves in solidarity with those in need. (check out various stories at TIME)

2. Give to an organization already at work in Haiti (American Red Cross, Covenant World Relief): As people who have been given so much we have the opportunity to leverage our resources to make a difference. Although finding funds to give may be difficult maybe you can find creative ways to give (instead of buying bottled water over the next few months or doing various home improvements around the house, use that money to aid in the relief and rebuilding effort in Haiti).

3. Pray: Pray that the world community steps up in the aid and rebuilding process. Pray that the resources and supplies given, get to those in need. Pray for all the relief workers who are present in Haiti. Pray for open transportation routes so that the injured can get treatment and supplies can move freely. Pray against the spread of disease. Pray for those who are in deep mourning over the loss of loved ones.

May our response to our brothers and sisters in Haiti reflect the God we serve. Peace.