| |
To:
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
From: President Gerald B. Kieschnick
Subject: LCMS response to Haitian earthquake
Date: January 14, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I write this letter, news of what is being called the
largest earthquake to hit Haiti in more than 200 years is being
covered nationwide by the media. Only hours after receiving
reports of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, we began preparing to
reach out to the people of Haiti with critically needed
assistance. We will be disbursing, through LCMS World Relief
and Human Care, significant dollars to meet immediate and
longer-term needs.
Many lives have been lost, extensive property has been damaged,
and terrible suffering has been inflicted upon people trapped in
collapsed buildings in a country already challenged by longtime
political strife and poverty. We praise God that our
missionaries in Haiti are confirmed to be safe. In addition to
an LCMS World Mission GEO (Globally Engaged in Outreach)
missionary and family stationed in Haiti, there are at least
three short-term mission teams in the country from LCMS
congregations and mission organizations from Nebraska, New York,
and Wisconsin. We are working to confirm the safety of pastors
and others in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti (ELCH),
which has been a partner church of the Missouri Synod's since
2001. While communications are still sketchy, we believe Rev.
Marky Kessa, president of the ELCH, is safe. We are continuing
our efforts to reach our other dear brothers and sisters in
Christ in Haiti.
The LCMS, working cooperatively through LCMS World Relief
and Human Care, LCMS World Mission, Lutheran World
Relief in Baltimore, Concordia Publishing House, and
our U.S. and Haitian partners, will strive to serve the ongoing
needs of the people of Haiti who have lost loved ones, homes,
possessions, and means of livelihood as a result of this
devastating natural disaster.
With deepest gratitude I thank the generous LCMS members who
have already responded with financial gifts for the people of
Haiti. Within 24 hours, more than $100,000 has been received.
We invite and urge our other dear brothers and sisters to help
in this work. The links below will connect you with giving
opportunities and provide you with information and resources for
speaking about this tragedy to members, families, and friends.
Giving
Donations are urgently needed to provide relief efforts in
Haiti. Gifts may be accepted online at
http://givenowlcms.org.
Information
Resources
Among the many materials available from LCMS ministries, these
are some of the resources our members may find most useful:
Finally, but most importantly, I ask for your prayers as we
respond to the needs of the Haitian people so tragically
affected by the quake. With deep sincerity I give thanks to our
almighty heavenly Father for keeping our missionaries safe. In
addition, I pray for all those in Haiti whose lives have been
devastated by the death of loved ones, personal injuries, loss
of home and possessions. Moreover, I pray that God will bless
our work in Haiti, along with that of many other humanitarian
agencies, to relieve the suffering of those who have been so
tragically impacted by the earthquake. Finally, I pray that the
peace of God that passes all understanding, through Jesus Christ
our Lord, will be of great comfort to all those affected by this
horrendous disaster.
The peace of the Lord be with you all!
Gerald B. Kieschnick
President
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod |
 |
