Haiti Relief Response News
Dear Friends,
With each miracle story of another person found alive in the rubble, I give thanks to God. Indeed, we are seeing miracles unfolding before us. And just as I rejoice with the latest good news, I am praying for those people who continue to hope that their loved one will be found, who cry for help, who struggle for the very essentials of life. These are difficult days – moments and our prayers are needed.
A brief update for you regarding the relief response. Thrivent for Lutherans has announced a decision to match $1 for every $2 given by its members up to $250 per member. Go to Thrivent “Helping Haiti” (www.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti) for information.
Lutheran World Relief has announced a “text to give” program. Starting Sunday, January 17, to support LWR from your cell phone, just text the keyword “LWR” to 40579 to donate $10. Remember to reply YES to the confirmation. It’s quick and easy, and the donation will appear on your next cell phone bill. Standard messaging and data rates may apply.
Many have asked about where to send contributions. LCMS World Relief and Human Care are working cooperatively with LCMS World Mission, Haitian missionaries, and partner churches to provide relief in a timely fashion. To make a gift that shares Christ’s mercy and helps suffering Haitians, click on the link below, call toll free 888-930- 4438, or mail donations marked “Haiti Earthquake Relief ” to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.
LCMS World Relief — go to catalog. lcms.org/GiveNow/Gift_Catalog. asp?Org=180. Please be certain that you designate funds for Haiti Earthquake Response.
Lutheran World Relief — http://lwr.org or 800-LWR-LWR-2.
Lutheran Disaster Response — http://www.ldr.org/alert/index.html or 800- 638-3522.
From the Red Cross — To help, people can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The public can also help by texting “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Red Cross, through an effort backed by the U.S. State Department. Funds will go to support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
Each of these organizations have mobilized and are already involved in disaster response in Haiti. You can follow their work on their websites. Orphan Grain Train has also prepared to ship 513,216 “Kids Against Hunger” meals next week. Orphan Grain Train is shipping to Haiti both by air and by sea. They are also receiving cash donations to assist with this effort. You can learn more about it at their website (www.kidsagainsthunger.org).
I will continue to send updates your direction and urge you to continue to keep the people of Haiti, all the volunteers, and yes, even the process of response in your prayers.
In Christ,
Sally Hiller
Editor’s note: this article is from a SED email and is shared here for your information. We will continue to forward you any information that comes from the SED. If interested, you may also wish to look at Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org or 828-262- 1980), the people who we’ve worked with in doing the Christmas Shoe Box project.
[Disaster Relief News — by Sally Hiller]