In Response to the Disaster in Haiti

photo from website of Churches helping Churches

Churches Helping Churches is the new site for a dedicated work begun by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA and James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Church in Napierville, IL. The mission is simple, summed up by Paul's words from Galatians 6:10.

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

MacDonald's words in response to the earthquake disaster in Haiti tug at my heart as it breaks for my brothers and sisters in this ravaged island nation which Christ dearly loves.

"The world will always be better, faster, and more effective than we can be at the important work of relief. As individuals, we should give to these efforts, pray for these efforts, and even volunteer to help, if God so directs.

BUT the primary focus of the church gathered, the priority calling of the body of Christ, the first response of all biblically-informed believers must be to help the church. Locating local communities of brothers and sisters in Christ, assessing the needs of local churches in hardest hit areas, rallying the church in North America to rescue and restore the church, wherever it is ravaged by natural disaster or human tragedy . . . This is the most important step of obedience we can offer to Christ and His kingdom.

Who will help the church? By God’s grace we will, together we can."

This sentiment is expressed beautifully in the song and video on Churches Helping Churches home page.

Our own denomination, the PCA, is also currently assessing what we can do in response to this tragedy. Updates can be followed here.

Locally, here at Oak Mountain Church we will be taking up a special dedicated offering for the work in Haiti this coming Sunday, January 24th. Checks may be made payable to Oak Mountain Church with "Haiti" designated at the bottom.

May the Lord God whom we call both sovereign and compassionate grant mercy, healing and peace to his bride the church in the coming weeks and months. And as always, may God be glorified and may His kingdom come.