Earthquake update

By now you have heard of the devastating tragedy that struck the already disaster stricken country of Haiti just over 24 hours ago. I am in shock. Overwhelmed with emotion. Thankful for my safety. Questioning why God spared me by just a couple days. Fighting the urge to jump on the first flight down. And heartbroken for the people of Haiti.

Four days ago I stood with my toes in this sand having no idea what the days ahead would bring.



As I drove through Port-Au-Prince on Saturday with my mom who has fresh Haiti eyes, we commented that the city looked like some kind of disaster had hit and the city never recovered. That was Saturday. Today, I can't begin to wrap my mind about what has happened to the people of Haiti. I don't understand not being able to reach my family. I don't understand sleeping in the streets next to dead bodies. I don't understand mass hysteria. I don't understand.

I have had some contact with Lori & Licia at Real Hope for Haiti and everyone is safe. However, because Cazale is only 21.5 miles from the epicenter of the quake the village is staring this tragedy right in the eyes. The mission sustained structural damage and everyone is sleeping outside for fear of further damage. They are overwhelmed with an influx of injured patients who cannot get care in town. The kids are managing to go with the flow and everyone is pitching in to do what they can. You can read Licia's blog and Lori's blog for more updates and pictures of what they are facing.

Tara and Troy Livesay, whose ministry is in the heart of Port-Au-Prince, have also reported that they are safe but are knee deep in the immediate search and rescue process. Follow their blog and Troy's tweets for more info.

So what can we do?

First, you can PRAY. Get on your knees tonight with your roommates, your children, your spouses, pray in your car, your office tomorrow morning. I love this quote

Prayers are powerful and effective not because they alter God's providential plan but because they are a part of it.

It is ordained that you and I would plead for God's mercy and provision for the people of Haiti.

Secondly, you can GIVE. Here are links to many organizations who I trust will use your money well in the relief effort.

Real Hope for Haiti. the biggest needs now are funds to purchase food and supplies and prices have already doubled in the last 36 hours. there are 75 children sleeping under a tarp tonight who need to eat 3 meals a day. Click here and scroll to the bottom and click on the yellow button that says donate or you can mail a check to: RHFH – PO BOX 23 – Elwood, IN 46036.

Red Cross An easy way is to text "Haiti" to 90999 to give $10 to the Red Cross. It will be on your next phone bill.

Compassion International. For a $35 donation you can help a family receive every sort of disaster relief they might need in this first critical week. Click here OR you can text "disaster" to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion's disaster relief program.

Lastly, you can purchase these shirts which are not only super awesome by themselves, but 100% of the profit will go to support Real Hope for Haiti. Click here to buy them!




I was reminded today of this Haitian proverb "Rocks in the river don't know the pain of the rocks in the sun." May we be as gracious as Jesus calls us to be.



Though it feels like they cannot take on more thing, ask anyone who has spent time in Haiti and they will say of the people that their resiliency is astounding. God is going to use this and He is going to get the glory.

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted, you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. Ps. 10:17-18